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Book L0XH7 

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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



The Church in Ea&ern Ohio 




REV. INTREPID MORSE, D.D. 



The Church in Eaftern Ohio 

A HISTORY 

With Special Reference to the Parishes of 

ST. PAUL'S, STEUBENVILLE 
ST. JAMES'S, CROSS CREEK 

AND 

ST. STEPHEN'S, STEUBENVILLE 

By JOSEPH B. DOYLE 

Author of Memorial Life Edwin M. Stanton, Frederick William Von Steuben 

and The American Revolution, Jefferson County 

Twentieth Century History, Etc. 



Steubenville, Ohio 

Published for the Author by 

H. C. COOK CO. 

1914 






UMITED EDITION 
THIS EDITION OF ThE CHURCH IN EASTERN 

Ohio is umited to two hundred copies, 
of which this is ^ 

NO...Wv! 



Copyright, 1914, by 

Joseph B. Doyle. 

Published September, 1914. 



OCT -5 1914 



4,&o 



GI.A380710 



TO THAT WORTHY PIONEER, 

REV. JOSEPH DODDRIDGE, D.D., 

WHO LAID THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE CHURCH OF THE 
LIVING GOD IN THIS OHIO VALLEY, AND 
TO THAT SAINTLY PRIEST, 

REV. INTREPID MORSE, D.D., 

WHO CARRIED FORWARD THE SUPERSTRUCTURE TO A 
STATELY EDIFICE, THIS BRIEF HISTORY IS RESPECT- 
FULLY DEDICATED. 



PREFACE 

For several years the writer of this work has had in 
view the preparation of a brief history of the American 
Church in this section. One object was to preserve, be- 
fore it should be too late, the fast fading record of those 
who laid the foundations of that superstructure into 
whose heritage we have entered, and the other to correct 
some impressions as erroneous as the fiction that pretty 
much all that is valuable in America came from the "pil- 
grim fathers" or their descendants. In a volume pub- 
lished a few years ago by the Ohio Historical Society, 
giving an account of different religious bodies, the state- 
ment is made that "the Episcopalians came to Ohio in 
1817." As this was written by a person outside the 
Church whose knowledge of her history was evidently 
limited, perhaps the expression might be excused on the 
ground of "invincible ignorance," but when we turn to 
Bishop Perry's monumental work we find almost the 
same thing. Although he refers to a lay organization at 
Boardman in 1809, they have no priest until eight years 
later, and the picture of the spiritual destitution of the 
Finley family gives a most one-sided view of conditions 
in this section. Another historian discovers that Dr. 
Doddridge did some itinerant work in Eastern Ohio in 
1811, which is undoubtedly correct as an isolated state- 
ment, but ignores the fact that this itineracy had begun 
nineteen years earlier. 

The original intention was to prepare a sketch of St. 
Paul's Church, Steubenville, alone, but its history was 
found to be so interwoven with that of other parishes in 
this neighborhood, as well as of the original diocese of 
Ohio, that it was found desirable to enlarge the scope of 
the undertaking. 

v 



viii PREFACE. 

In the lives of parishes as well as that of the Church 
at large are found incidents that some would prefer to 
have forgotten. But they are a part of the organization's 
history, and cannot be ignored in any fair portraiture of 
the past. While the writer has not refrained from the 
expression of views or drawing of conclusions where the 
situation demanded such, yet the object has been to pre- 
sent an unbiased report of events as they have occurred, 
without regard to individual predilections. 

As most of the authorities used in this production 
are given in the narrative, it is not necessary to refer to 
them here. Acknowledgment should be made, however, 
to Misses Chase, of Gambier, for valuable information 
furnished, including original documents, and also to 
Charles P. Filson for useful artistic aid. 

Trusting that this book may accomplish the purpose 
for which it is written, namely, the preservation of precious 
historical matter that might otherwise have been lost, and 
that it may prove a not inappropriate preliminary to* the 
proposed publication which is expected to give a worthy 
history of the Ohio Diocese, it is hoped that it may be 
kindly received by the descendants of those sturdy 
pioneers who planted the Church in this valley, as well as 
those who have taken up the work and carried it on to 
the present day. 

J. B. D. 

Steubenville, Ohio, September 15, 1914. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

PIONEER CHURCHMEN 1 

Gist's Journey to the Ohio Country. The First Christmas 
Service. 

CHAPTER II. 

THE DODDRIDGE FAMILY 6 

Settlement in the Ohio Valley. Birth of Joseph Doddridge. 
Early Life and Career. Returns to the Church of His 
Fathers. Missionary Zeal. Parish Founded in Brooke 
County. 

CHAPTER III. 

THE CHURCH COMES TO OHIO 19 

First Services in Steubenville. Home of Mary McGuire. 
Agreement with Dr. Doddridge. Beginning of St. James's, 
Cross Creek. A Western Diocese Proposed in 1810. Meet- 
ings in 1816. Diocese of Ohio Created. 

CHAPTER IV. 

A NEW ERA 33 

The Chase Family. First Bishop of Ohio. Organization 
of St. Paul's. Request of St. James's People for a Bishop. 
First Episcopal Visitations. Large Confirmation Classes. 
Interest of the People. 

CHAPTER V. 
A FATHER IN ISRAEL 50 

Rev. Mr. Morse Accepts Call to St. Paul's. His Early His- 
tory and Ordination. Old Church at Duanesburgh. Inter- 
esting Coincidences. Congregation Moves to "Old Acad- 
emy." Mr. Morse Assumes Charge at Cross Creek. Death 
of Father Doddridge. Founding of Kenyon College. In- 
ternal Troubles. Bishop Chase's Last Days. 

CHAPTER VI. 

PARISHES INCORPORATED 71 

New St. James's Church Consecrated. Unprecedented Con- 
gregations and Confirmation Classes. Early Pewholders at 
St. Paul's. One-Fifth of Diocesan Communicants in Jef- 
ferson County. St. James's Largest Parish in the State. 
St. John's, East Springfield, Organized. Morse-Chase 
Wedding. 



x CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VII. 

NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS 81 

Activity of the Woman's Society. Purchase of Lot. Brick 
Edifice for St. Paul's. First Pewholders. Consecration 
Services. First Pipe Organ in the Town. Mr. Morse in 
Charge of St. Paul's Alone. Mr. Gray at St. James's. A 
New Brick Church at Cross Creek. Educational work. 
Diocesan Convention at Steubenville. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE OXFORD MOVEMENT 97 

Opposition of Bishop Mcllvaine. Enlargement of Church 
Fabric. New Organ Installed. Changes in Choir. Parish 
Burial Grounds. Infrequent Confirmations. Assistant 
Bishop Chosen. Chancel and Other Improvements. Assist- 
ant Rectors. First Ordination in St. Paul's. Early Christ- 
mas Festivals and Decorations. 

CHAPTER IX. 

A PERIOD OF TRIAL 114 

New St. James's Church Consecrated. Troubles at St. 
Paul's. Disagreements with the Rector. Consultations 
with the Bishops. The Church Closed and Reopened. Res- 
ignation of Dr. Morse. Illness and Death. 

CHAPTER X. 

NEW RECTORS 123 

Rev. Charles Gillette Called. Rapid Progress of the Parish. 
Alterations in Interior of Building. Unexpected Resigna- 
tion. A Land Purchase. Rectorship of Rev. Dr. Hull. 
Choir and Vestry Changes. 

CHAPTER XI. 

A GREAT STEP FORWARD 133 

Rev. Thomas D. Pitts Becomes Rector. Eloquent Preacher 
and Attractive Personality. Purchase of Rectory. Move- 
ment to Build a New Church Consummated. Last Services 
in Old Building. Cornerstone Laying. Imposing Conse- 
cration Services. Description of the Structure. 

CHAPTER XII. 

PATHS OF PROGRESS 160 

Resignation of Dr. Pitts. Purchase of Lot. Rev. R. W. 
Grange Becomes Rector. New Communion Set. Early 
Easter Services. Diocesan Convention. Financial Matters. 



CONTENTS. xi 



New Bishop Chosen. Mr. Grange Succeeded by Rev. C. D. 
Williams. Parish House Built. Weekly Communion. 
Vested Choir. Mr. Williams Resigns. Rectory Sold. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

CHANGES AND TROUBLES 181 

Rev. H. LeF. Grabau Called. Advanced Views of New Rec- 
tor. Toronto Mission. Convocation. Ordination. Dissat- 
isfaction. Exciting Parish Election. Chapel Furnished. 
Rector Resigns. Rev. G. W. Hinkle Succeeds. Efforts for 
Harmony. Centennial Celebration. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

DIVISION OF THE PARISH 196 

Petition for Separation. Consents Granted. Third Ordi- 
nation Service. Fruitless Effort Towards Reunion. Fourth 
Ordination. Imposing Services. Correction of Name. 
Death of Mrs. Hinkle and Rector's Resignation. Rev. J. 
W. Foster Called. First Midnight Service. Debt Reduc- 
tion. Mr. Foster Resigns. Finances Improved. 

CHAPTER XV. 

PROSPEROUS YEARS 210 

Calling of Rev. W. M. Sidener — Marked Revival of Inter- 
est. Parish Debt Extinguished. Large Increase in Com- 
municants. Growth of Sunday School. Enlargement of 
Parish House. Wells Memorial. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

THE VESTED CHOIR 226 

Historical Resume. Embryo Organizations. Formal Inau- 
guration. Remarkable Musical Services. Record of Indus- 
try and Patient Work. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH 248 

Organization of New Parish. Chapel Leased. Mr. Cow- 
ling First Rector. Purchase of Rectory Property. Mr. 
Gaylord Called. St. James's Centennial. New Church 
Edifice. Mr. Redhead's Rectorship. Parish House Built. 
Vested Choir. Mr. Bissell Called. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



REV. INTREPID MORSE, D.D Frontispiece 

Pacing Page 

JEFFERSON COUNTY INFIRMARY 22 v 

Site of Mary McGuire Home. 

STEUBENVILLE COURT HOUSE 22 , 

Services 1809-1816. 

OLD COUNCIL CHAMBER .. . 22 

Services 1816-1822. 

WILLIAM R. DICKINSON RESIDENCE .... 46 

OLD ACADEMY 46 

Services 1822-1833. 

CHRIST CHURCH, DUANESBURGH, N. Y. . . .52 

WELLS-STOKELY MANSION 56 

FEATHERSTONAUGH MANSION, DUANESBURGH, 

N. Y 64 

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, BROOKE COUNTY . . .64 

KENYON COLLEGE 68 

RT. REV. PHILANDER CHASE 74 

RT. REV. CHARLES P. McILVAINE 74 

PEW PLAN OF ST. PAUL'S, 1833 84 

ST. JAMES'S CHURCH, CROSS CREEK .... 88 

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, EAST SPRINGFIELD ... 88 

OLD ST. PAUL'S 100 

OLD ST. PAUL'S, INTERIOR, 1879 124 

GRAVES OF MR. AND MRS. MORSE .... 124 

REV. CHARLES GILLETTE ....... 134 

REV. ANDREW HULL 134 

REV. R. W. GRANGE 134 

RT. REV. CHARLES D. WILLIAMS 134 

REV THOMAS D. PITTS 144 



xiv ILLUSTRATIONS. 

NEW ST. PAUL'S 154 

RT. REV. GREGORY T. BEDELL . I, 168. 

RT. REV. WILLIAM A. LEONARD 168. 

ST. PAUL'S PARISH HOUSE 172 

ST. PAUL'S CHAPEL 172 

REV. H. LeF. GRABAU 184 

REV. GEORGE W. HINKLE 184- 

REV. J. W. FOSTER .184 

REV. WILLIAM M. SIDENER . . . ' . . .184 

ANGEL OF THE RESURRECTION . . . . .204 
James Means Memorial. 

RT. REV. FRANK DUMOULIN .212 

HOLY CROSS MISSION, TILTONVILLE .... 212 

BAPTISTERY, ST. PAUL'S . . . . . . .218. 

ST. PAUL'S CHANCEL 222, 

With Wells Memorial. 

CHOIR CAMP, 1894 230 J 

CHOIR BOYS AT INDIAN ROCK 230^ 

ST. PAUL'S CHOIR, 1897 238 

SOME EARLY CHOIR BOYS 244 

REV. E. W. COWLING 250 v 

REV. HERBERT L. GAYLORD 250 v 

REV. EDWIN B. REDHEAD . . . . . . .250/ 

REV. ALLEN P. BISSELL 250 v 

ST. STEPHEN'S TEMPORARY CHAPEL .... 256 / 
ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH AND PARISH HOUSE . . 256 * 
ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, INTERIOR . , , .260 



The Church in Eastern Ohio 



The Church in Eastern Ohio 



CHAPTER I. 

PIONEER CHURCHMEN. 

Gist's Journey to the Ohio Country — The First Christmas 
Service. 

To fix the exact date when the first religious services 
in English were held in the Ohio Valley is, perhaps, im- 
possible. Before the cycle of the eighteenth century had 
passed its meridian the Anglo Saxon trader and trapper 
had invaded what was called the Indian country in suffi- 
cient numbers to disturb the followers of the King of 
France, who had marked this land in their minds as their 
own. Many of these adventurers were baptized mem- 
bers of the Church of England in the Colonies, but their 
dispositions, their isolated condition and their surround- 
ings were not such as to develop the religious side of 
their character, which in most instances, it must be con- 
fessed, was not very prominent. Among the leaders of 
this advance army was George Croghan, who came to 
Pennsylvania in 1741. He was licensed to traffic with 
the Indians in 1744, and from his success in this direc- 
tion became known as "The King of the Traders." His 
home in 1776 was probably within the present city limits 
of Pittsburgh, which was within convenient distance of 



2 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

the Ohio country, and his standing is summed up by 
E. W. Hassler in his book entitled "Old Westmoreland," 
by the statement that "The man of most influence in this 
community (Fort Pitt) was the fat old trader and Indian 
agent, Col. George Croghan, who lived on a pretentious 
plantation about four miles up the Allegheny River. He 
was an Irishman by birth and an Episcopalian by religion 
when he permitted religion to trouble him." 

The inference from the last clause might be that 
Croghan did not permit his religion to trouble him very 
much, but certain it is that he possessed the rugged vir- 
tues of honesty and decision of character which won for 
him the confidence of both Indians and whites, with the 
result that he was engaged in practically all the important 
missions to the Red Men which were undertaken during 
his career, and which contributed materially towards 
opening up the country to settlement. His son, George 
Croghan, Jr., married a sister of George Rogers Clark, 
another Churchman, whose daring march and skillful 
diplomacy during the War of the Revolution added the 
great Northwest Territory to the American domain, 
and made possible the ultimate expansion of the Nation 
to the Pacific. 

The French were not unmindful of the encroach- 
ments of the British into what they considered their own 
preserves, and, in order to secure at least a "paper title" 
to this domain, organized an expedition under command 
of Chevalier Celoron de Bienville which, in the summer 
of 1749, passed down the Ohio River, warning off Eng- 
lish traders, and placing leaden plates on trees or under 
ground, giving notice to all concerned that this territory 
was claimed by the King of France. But the English 
colonists paid about as much attention to this pronun- 
ciamento as their ancestors two centuries before had re- 
garded the edict of the Bishop of Rome, which assumed 



PIONEER CHURCHMEN. 3 

to divide the new world between the crowns of Spain 
and Portugal. 

Among the other projects of that day was the secur- 
ing of lands for settlement by the Ohio Company, an or- 
ganization formed by George Washington, his half 
brothers, Lawrence and Augustine, and other prominent 
Virginians and Londoners. It was necessary to get 
some definite information concerning the country and its 
Indian inhabitants, so, accordingly, in the fall of 1750, an 
expedition was sent to this region in charge of Chris- 
topher Gist, the well-known pioneer, accompanied by 
Croghan. Gist had studied for the priesthood in Eng- 
land, but afterwards took up surveying and pioneer work. 
The party started from Colonel Cresap's home in Mary- 
land, on the Potomac River, on November 4, and on the 
25th reached Logstown, a Seneca village on the Ohio 
River, about twenty-six miles northeast of the present 
city of Steubenville (air line). From thence they fol- 
lowed the river, which here flows almost due north, until 
they reached the mouth of Beaver. Thence following a 
northwest trail for about fifteen miles, they crossed the 
present boundary of the State of Ohio into what was 
afterwards a part of Jefferson County and within a cou- 
ple of miles of what is now the village of Achor in Co- 
lumbiana County. From there they proceeded westward 
south of Bayard to Big Sandy, near Oneida, all within 
the original limits of Jefferson County, reaching the town 
of the Wyandots at the forks of the Muskingum, now 
Coshocton. What happened there we will allow Mr. Gist 
to tell in his own words. His diary reads : 

Tuesday, 25. This being Christmas Day, I intended to read 
Prayers, but after inviting some of the White Men, they in- 
formed each other of my intentions, and being of several differ- 
ent persuasions, and few of them inclined to hear any good, 
they refused to come. But one Thomas Burney, a blacksmith 
who is settled there, went about and talked to them, and several 



THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 



of them came, and Andrew Montour invited several of the well- 
disposed Indians, who came freely; by this time the morning 
was spent, and I had given over all thoughts of them, but seeing 
them coime, to oblige all, and offend none, I stood up and said: 
Gentlemen, I have no design or intention to give offence to any 
particular sectary or religion, but as our King indulges us all 
in a liberty of conscience and hinders none of you in the exer- 
cise of your religious worship, so it would be unjust in you to 
endeavor to stop the propagation of his. The doctrine of sal- 
vation, faith and good works is what I only propose to treat of 
as I find it extracted from the Homilies of the Church of Eng- 
land; which I then read them in the best manner I could, and 
after I had done the interpreter told the Indians what I had 
read, and that it was the true faith which the great King and his 
Church recommended to his children. The Indians seemed well 
pleased, and came up to me and returned me their thanks, and 
then invited me to live among them and gave me a name, in 
their language, Annosonah.. The interpreter told me this was 
the name of a good man who had formerly lived among them, 
and their King said that must be always my name, for which I 
returned them thanks, but as to living among them I excused 
myself, saying I did not know whether the Governor would 
give me leave, and if he did the French would come and carry 
me away as they had done the English traders. To which they 
answered I might bring great guns and make a fort, that they 
had now left the French, and were very desirous of being in- 
structed in the principles of Christianity; that they liked me 
very well and wanted me to marry them after the Christian 
manner, and baptize their children; and then tJhey said they 
would never desire to return to the French, or suffer them or 
their priest to come near them more, for they loved the Eng- 
lish, but had seen but little religion among them. And some of 
their great men came and wanted me to baptize their children, 
for as I ihad read to them 'and appeared to talk about religion 
they took me to be a minister of the Gospel. Upon which I 
desired Mr. Montour (the interpreter) to tell them that no 
minister could venture to baptize any children until those that 
were to be sureties for them were well instructed in the faith 
themselves, and that this was according to the great King's reli- 
gion, in which he desired his children should be instructed, and 
we dare not do it in any way than was by law established [per- 
haps it was fortunate this law had not been in force on the first 
Whitsunday], but I hoped if I could not be admitted to live 
among them, that the great King would send them proper min- 
isters to exercise that office among them, at which they seemed 
well pleased, and one of tihem brought me his book, which was 
a kind contrived for them by the French, in whic'h the days of 
the week were so marked that by moving a pin every morning 
they kept pretty exact account of time, to show me that he un- 
derstood me, and that he and his family always observed the 
Sabbath Day. 



PIONEER CHURCHMEN. 5 

In his "Notes to Gist's Journal" William M. Dar- 
lington declares that "This no doubt was the first Prot- 
estant religious service ever held within the present state 
of Ohio." 

What might have been the result had Gist been able to 
carry out his suggestion of sending "proper ministers" to 
his red brethren it is idle to speculate. French activity 
soon rendered abortive all plans of the Ohio Company, 
the border warfare followed, and after the peace of 1763 
the Ohio country was made part of the province of Que- 
bec. Croghan died at Passayunk, Pa., in 1782, Gist hav- 
ing passed away in the South about twelve years before. 

It was the policy of the British Government to dis- 
courage settlements in the Indian country as this was 
called, but that did not prevent the pioneers from com- 
ing out on their own account. Croghan conducted a 
party down the Ohio in 1765 and George Washington 
one in 1770, but we do not hear of them holding any 
services, although Washington was in the habit of car- 
rying his Prayer Book with him, and more than once 
acted as lay-reader, the most noted occasion being that 
of Braddock's funeral. So like that of Drake's chaplain 
on the Pacific coast in 1578, Gist's service and instruction 
on the banks of the Muskingum stand alone for a period 
of more than forty years. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE DODDRIDGE FAMILY. 

Settlement in the Ohio Valley — Birth of Joseph Doddridge — 
Early Life and Career — Returns to the Church of His 
Fathers — Missionary Zeal — Parish Founded in Brooke 
County. 

The successful termination of the American Revo- 
lution and the adoption of the Ordinance of 1787 gave a 
marked impetus to emigration to the valley of the Ohio. 
Kentucky was already fairly populated, and the overflow 
from Virginia and Western Pennsylvania was seeking 
homes north and west of the river. But so far as the 
Church was concerned the immigrants were sheep with- 
out a shepherd. If any cry from the Western wilderness 
reached beyond the Allegheny mountains it was too weak 
to be heard, or if heard, the American Church was then 
too busily engaged in perfecting its autonomy, and, in- 
deed, trying to preserve its existence, to heed the appeal. 
The time was at hand, however, when that appeal was 
to be answered, at least in a measure. Among the early 
English emigrants to Maryland was the Doddridge fam- 
ily, members of the Church of England, but identified 
with the Wesleyan societies which had not then separated 
from the Church. Of these John Doddridge married 
Mary, daughter of Richard Wells, also of Maryland, and 
entered a homestead in the valley of Friend's Cove in 
Bedford County, Pennsylvania, a few miles south of the 
town of that name. Here on October 14, 1769, was born 
Joseph Doddridge, his eldest son. Neglecting to com- 
plete his title, the elder Doddridge lost his home, and 
early in 1773 moved to Washington County, Pa., near 



THE DODDRIDGE FAMILY. 7 

the line of the Virginia Pan Handle, and only a few miles 
from the Ohio River. The farm was located in Inde- 
pendence Township close by the present village of West 
Middleton, what was afterwards known as Doddridge's 
fort, one of the frontier blockhouses, being about three 
miles from the village. He was the first settler in that 
township, his original home being what was afterwards 
known as the Eeggett farm on Cross Creek, afterwards 
removing to the Murdock farm, on which the fort was 
built. The elder Doddridge erected a small building on 
his place for school and worship, long known as Dod- 
dridge's Chapel, which passed through various hands and 
was finally taken down. The old graveyard still remains. 

Mrs. Doddridge died on November 30, 1777, as the 
result of a kick from a runaway horse, and soon after 
Joseph was sent back to Maryland to school. It was a 
new experience for a boy only eight years of age, and 
utterly unacquainted with the outside world. He tells us 
that the first Christian service he ever heard was in the 
garrison church in' Baltimore County, when he was about 
ten years old. The appearance of the church, the win- 
dows of which were Gothic, the white surplice of the 
minister, and the responses in the service overwhelmed 
him with surprise. Among his schoolfellows it was a 
matter of reproach to him that he was not baptized, be- 
cause as they said, "I had no name." 

Young Doddridge remained in Maryland several 
years, and on his return home he assisted his father on 
the farm until about eighteen years of age, when he be- 
came an itinerant preacher in the Wesleyan Society. 

John Wesley died on March 2, 1791, a priest of the 
Church of England, and it was not until six years after 
his death, that the Wesleyan societies, contrary to his 
dying request, formally separated from the Church, and 
gave their preachers authority to administer the Sacra- 



8 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

ments, especially the Lord's Supper. Wesley, however, 
had appointed Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury as su- 
perintendents of the American Wesleyans in 1784. Mr. 
Coke went through a form of ordination at Bristol, 
England, and the following December he performed the 
same ceremony for Asbury at Baltimore. Whether Wes- 
ley so intended or not, this was in effect a withdrawal 
from the Church, as the new officers and those ordained 
by them assumed all the functions of the priesthood so 
far as they considered the same necessary. Although 
fragmentary forms of the old ritual were used when de- 
sired, yet to all intents and purposes there was now a new 
religious organization in the field. That Mr. Doddridge 
was active in pursuit of the duties which he now assumed, 
and stood well with his associates is evidenced by the few 
scanty details which have come down to us. Hon. 
Thomas Scott, of Chillicothe, Ohio, who was a traveling 
Methodist preacher in the latter part of the eighteenth 
century, says : "My acquaintance with the Rev. J. Dod- 
dridge commenced at the house of Rev. John J. Jacob in 
Hampshire County, Va., in July, 1788. He was then in 
company with Rev. Francis Asbury, by whom he was 
held in high esteem. At a conference held at Uniontown, 
Pa., a short time previous, he had been received as a trav- 
eling preacher in the Wesleyan connection, was then on 
his way to the Holston circuit, and subsequently labored 
on the West River and Pittsburgh circuits. About this 
time at the request of Mr. Asbury he studied German in 
order that he might labor among the immigrants of that 
nationality." 

Mr. Doddridge continued his duties as traveling 
preacher until April, 1791, gaining that large experience 
of western manners and people which was to be useful to 
him in after years, and some of which he subsequently 
embodied in his "Notes on the Settlement and Indian 



THE DODDRIDGE FAMILY. 9 

Wars of the Western Parts of Virginia and Pennsyl- 
vania, from 1763 to 1783, etc." At the date given above 
he was called home by the serious illness of his father, 
who died on April 20, 1791, having appointed Joseph his 
executor. John Doddridge had married Elizabeth 
Schrimplin on January 23, 1778, and the second Mrs. 
Doddridge had survived with a family of five young chil- 
dren. These, with the adjustment of property affairs re- 
quiring attention, the itineracy was given up, and, as the 
result proved, permanently. Having adjusted himself to 
his new environment, and finding that he had a small 
property at his disposal, Mr. Doddridge concluded to fur- 
ther perfect his education, and accordingly, together with 
his brother, Philip, entered Jefferson Academy at Can- 
nonsburg, Pa., the only institution of the kind in that 
section. Here they remained about a year, and it was a 
turning point in the lives of both. Philip afterwards be- 
came very prominent as a lawyer, and represented the 
Virginia Pan Handle district in Congress from 1830 to 
1832, dying suddenly in Washington while serving on a 
committee preparing a code of laws for the government 
of the District of Columbia. A letter by Rev. Robert 
Patterson, a Presbyterian minister, dated Green Tree, 
near Pittsburgh, June, 1850, gives a glimpse of how the 
Doddridges were regarded by their schoolmates : 

From 1791 until 1794 I was a student in Jefferson Academy. 
During a portion of this time Dr. Doddridge was there. We 
were roommates, boarding in the family of Rev. Mr. Mercer. 
David Johnson, the principal, and the students generally, as is 
usual in literary institutions, soon determined the grade of his 
intellect, his moral character and his personal worth; and none, 
during my connection with the Academy, stood higher than he 
in the estimation of those who knew him. Being his senior in 
years and science, it was sometimes my privilege to give him 
explanations and help him through knotty passages in his les- 
sons, in doing which I soon discovered that it was not neces- 
sary to tell him the same thing twice, so retentive and compre- 
hensive was his mind. His brother, Philip, was a student with 



10 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

him at the same time. Both of them were remarkable for orig- 
inal genius, intellectual strength 'and close investigation of any 
subject that came before them. These qualities, combined with 
ingenuous, amiable dispositions and uprightness of deportment, 
endeared them to all who had the pleasure of knowing them. 

Joseph Doddridge remained at Cannonsburg less 
than a year, but during this period a change occurred 
which radically altered his whole subsequent career. He 
does not give us the details of how this change came 
about, in fact, while he was most observant of all the 
characteristics of this then western country, and faith- 
fully recorded those observations, he is singularly reti- 
cent regarding his own life and work. The change re- 
ferred to was his determination to withdraw from the 
Wesleyan Society and prepare himself for orders in the 
American Church. His daughter, Narcissa Doddridge, 
to whose memoir we are chiefly indebted for what is 
known of this part of her father's life, says : 

This determination was not, we presume, the result of any 
diminution of his regard for the society with which he had 
previously been connected, for through life he manifested a 
warm attachment to that people, treated their ministers with 
the greatest courtesy and hospitality, and was ever ready to 
testify to their zealous and self-denying labors in the cause of 
their Lord and Master. In the absence of any direct informa- 
tion as to the cause of his withdrawal, we have grounds to con- 
clude that as his mind became more matured, and his reading 
more extended, his confidence in the episcopacy of that body 
was lessened. We are, furthermore, well assured that his judg- 
ment and preferences were decidedly in favor of a precomposed 
ritual of public worship. 

Some twenty years after a Rev. John Waterman, 
while conducting a Methodist camp meeting, sent a writ- 
ten invitation for Dr. Doddridge to attend, hinting that 
if he did not do so it would be inferred that his absence 
was due to his extreme views on the apostolic succession. 
To this letter Dr. Doddridge replied : 



THE DODDRIDGE FAMILY. 11 

Dear Brother: Your letter inviting me to attend your camp 
meeting is before me. I should be pleased to meet with you 
one day at least. But even this is uncertain. You live by the 
altar. I do not. I must depend on my medical profession for 
a support. You are aware that the time of a physician is not 
at his own disposal. * * * I certainly would not do anything 
that would bring me into collision with a clerical brother, but 
not from a feeling of fear. I value consistency of character. 
* * * The first Christian service I ever heard was that of the 
Church of England in America. When I was a minister in your 
society a Prayer Book was put into my hands with an order to 
use it every Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Holy-day, also on 
baptism and sacramental occasions, which I did. So I may say, 
that in the main the forms of worship I now use have been 
those of my whole life, and I think I shall end as I began. If 
you have left the venerable church of your ancestors, and built 
an episcopacy on the priesthood; if you have laid iaside the 
Prayer Book and become presbyterial in your forms of worship, 
the faults, if any, are not mine. I am truly sorry that these 
events have happened. Glad should I be if we were still one 
people. 

As to the apostolic succession of the bishops, to which you 
refer, it is a subject to which I have not devoted much atten- 
tion, and probably never shall. The subject, for reasons I have 
mentioned to you, is not agreeable to me; yet I respect the 
claim and feel satisfied that my ordination has descended 
through so valid and respectable a channel. From this claim, 
however, I will not conclude against the efficacy of the minis- 
try in other hands. It is enough for me to know and feel that 
other societies are Christian too. Therefore, I will not curse 
whom God hath not cursed; and I am willing to join in wor- 
ship with them, so far as I can do so consistent with the duties 
which I owe to the Church of which I 'am a member. 

Other correspondence both before and after the 
above letter indicates the stress which Dr. Doddridge laid 
on the necessity of an apostolic ministry, and there is no 
doubt that the Prayer Book of which he became possessed 
indicated the path of duty towards "that system of Chris- 
tian doctrine, those forms of worship, and that form of 
ecclesiastical government, which bear the impress of the 
primitive ages, and which, of course, are best for this 
world as for the next." [Letter to Bishop White.] It 
was the same influence which, seventy years earlier, had 
induced the professors at Yale College to sacrifice their 



12 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

comfortable positions and future worldly prospects and 
follow the teaching of the spirit into the Church, and 
which, a few months later, was to lead another New 
Englander, the pioneer Bishop of Ohio, along the same 
path. 

If sometimes Dr. Doddridge and other pioneer 
clergymen in their writings failed to emphasize the divine 
side of the Church's episcopate, account must be taken 
of the condition of affairs. From the settlement at 
Jamestown to the organization of the American Church 
as an autonomous body there had been a lapse of nearly 
two centuries. Nominally the parishes in the Colonies 
were under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of London, but, 
with the exception of a "Commissary" sent over occa- 
sionally to look after affairs, the different congregations 
were left pretty much to their own devices. No bishop 
had ever visited the parishes, there were, of course, no 
confirmations, and not a native American except the in- 
significant few who visited England had ever seen a 
bishop. Other religious bodies had their organization, 
such as it was, complete, and were able to adjust them- 
selves at once to their environment, while the Church 
must either import its ministry from over seas, or send 
its candidates for the priesthood on a long, expensive and 
hazardous journey to England for ordination. This is 
not the place, even were it possible, to detail the numer- 
ous irregularities which crept in and weakened the 
Church to such an extent as to threaten its very existence 
on this continent. In fact there were Churchmen, espe- 
cially in Virginia, who doubted if the fragments remain- 
ing after the Revolution could be patched together, others 
who argued that as they had gotten along for nearly two 
centuries without a bishop they might try it at least 
awhile longer. Puritanism did not exist outside the 
Church alone, it exercised a strong influence inside. Sal- 



THE DODDRIDGE FAMILY. 13 

vation finally came, not from those sections where the 
Church of England had hitherto been strongest, but from 
the persecuted Churchmen of New England, who, with- 
out waiting for the factions to come to an agreement, 
cut the knot by electing Samuel Seabury for their Bishop, 
and sent him to England for consecration. And when 
coldness and legal obstacles prevailed there he turned to 
the ancient Church of Scotland, which had also been 
nearly crushed by persecution, and there secured the suc- 
cession for the American episcopate. This was in 1784, 
and it was over two years before any bishops were con- 
secrated in the direct English line, and nearly three years 
later before the Church in all the American colonies, now 
states, became one. It is a striking commentary on the 
spirit of those times that South Carolina refused to be- 
come a part of the American Church except on condition 
that no bishop be sent her, which inversion of the old 
Ignatian proverb, "No Church without a Bishop," she 
retained until 1795, and it is said there were no confirma- 
tions in that diocese until 1811. 

But, whatever may have been the variations of indi- 
vidual opinion, laxity of discipline, or irregularities in 
minor proceedings, fortunately the Church in her cor- 
porate capacity, whether during the troublous times of 
the English Reformation, the deadness of the Georgian 
period, or the travail of the American branch during post 
revolutionary era, has never permitted any compromise 
on this matter. If we are disposed to criticise our fore- 
fathers for some deeds of commission or omission, let us 
recall the enormous difficulties they had to encounter, 
the problems they were required to face, and thank God 
that so much has been preserved to us. 

Having completed his course at Cannonsburg, at 
least as far as he desired, Joseph Doddridge prepared to 
carry out his desire of taking orders in the Church. For 



14 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

this purpose he went to Philadelphia, where he was or- 
dained deacon by Bishop White in March, 1792. He 
immediately returned to the west, and located in Charles- 
town (now Wellsburg), which had been laid out the 
previous year. This was merely a center for his work, 
which he now undertook with vigor on both sides of the 
river. It was a venture of faith worthy of the seventy 
whom our Lord sent forth with neither scrip nor purse. 
There were scattered families of Churchmen all through 
this region, but they were necessarily few in number, 
without organization of any sort, to bind them together 
or to the Church, and, of course, without sacraments, or 
religious ministrations of any kind save from each other 
or from the itinerant traveler of some other religious 
society. 

Although technically in the Virginia diocese, yet 
communication with the eastern part of that state was 
so difficult and affairs there were in such an unsatisfac- 
tory condition that Mr. Doddridge preferred to remain 
under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Bishop White, 
which arrangement was adhered to until the consecration 
of Philander Chase as Bishop of Ohio in 1819. Mr. 
Doddridge's brother, Philip, and two sisters, Ann and 
Ruth, followed him into the Church. 

The new deacon lost no time in entering upon his 
work, for in addition to services held at his home he at 
once began missions at different points in the neighbor- 
hood. One of the most important, if not the leading 
one, was at West Liberty on the head waters of Short 
Creek, about seven miles southeast of Charlestown, which 
was then the most important town in that section, being 
the county seat of what is now the entire West Virginia 
Pan Handle. Services were held in the Court House, 
the situation being thus described by Hon. Thomas Scott, 
of Chillicothe, who wrote as follows : 



THE DODDRIDGE FAMILY. 15 



At this early period of the settlement of the country the 
greater portion of the population of Western Virginia and Penn- 
sylvania consisted of emigrants from Maryland and Virginia, 
where many of them had been attached to the mother Church; 
hence the advent of a preacher of their own denomination was 
hailed by them as an auspicious event, filling their hearts with 
gladness. He was everywhere greeted with kindness, cheered 
and encouraged in his labors by the presence of large and at- 
tentive congregations; albeit in most places where they assem- 
bled for public worship, their only canopy was the umbrageous 
trees of the unbroken forest, whose solemn silence was, for the 
time being, rendered vocal by their devotions. 

During the year 1793 I occasionally attended the ministra- 
tions of this zealous advocate for the cause of Christ at West 
Liberty, then the seat of justice for^ Ohio County, Va., and the 
residence of many respectable and influential families. At this 
place divine service was held in the Court House. Although 
still a young man, Dr. Doddridge was an able minister of the 
New Covenant. When preaching there was nothing either in 
his language or manner that savored of pedantry or awkward- 
ness, yet he did not possess that easy, graceful action, which is 
often met with in speakers in every other respect his inferior; 
but this apparent defect was more than compensated by the 
arrangement of his subject, the purity of his style, the selection 
and appropriateness of his figures, and the substance of his dis- 
courses. He was always listened to with pleasure and edifica- 
tion, commanding the attention of his hearers not so much by 
brilliant flights of imagination or rhetorical flourishes, as by the 
solidity of his arguments and his lucid exhibition of the impor- 
tant truths which he presented for their deliberate considera- 
tion. 

In person he was tall and well proportioned, walking very 
erect. He possessed fine colloquial powers, was social, an 
agreeable companion, and highly esteemed by those who knew 
him, on account of his plain, unostentatious manners, courteous 
demeanor and rigid devotion to duty. 

In September, 1793, Dr. Doddridge married Jemima 
Bukey, residing on Short Creek, Va., who proved a most 
valuable helpmeet to him during his entire career. 

Services were maintained at West Liberty for a 
number of years, but after 1797, when Brooke County 
was set off from Ohio County, with Charlestown as the 
seat of justice, and the Ohio County Court moved to 
Wheeling, the village lost its importance and became a 
sleepy little hamlet with probably less population by the 
last census than it had over a hundred years before. No 



16 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

services have been held there for many years. In 1800 
there were thirty- three subscribers paying $98 per year. 

Previous to his ordination to the priesthood in 1800 
Dr. Doddridge appears to have depended for his liveli- 
hood on chance offerings of his flocks, either in money 
or kind, which, as may be supposed, were generally pretty 
scanty. His wife gives some testimony on this point by 
the information that he was generally too poor to pur- 
chase a second suit of clothes, and he was not infrequent- 
ly obliged to remain incognito on Saturday afternoons 
while she endeavored to make his habiliments presenta- 
ble for the following Sunday. 

St. John's parish, originally three miles east of 
Steubenville in Brooke County, was possibly Dr. Dod- 
dridge's first organization. It was started in 1792, and 
the next year a log church was built. This was replaced 
shortly by a frame structure a mile farther east on the 
north side of the present churchyard. The present brick 
structure was built in 1849. In 1800 the parish had 
forty-three subscribers, whose names may be found in 
Miss Doddridge's memoir. Dr. Doddridge rendered 
faithful service in this parish for nearly thirty years, and 
v orship has been maintained here with more or less reg- 
t'arity ever since by clergy from Wellsburg and Steu- 
benville. 

Another organization was formed about this time 
under the name of St. Paul's Church. It was also located 
in Brooke County about five miles east of Charlestown. 
The church edifice was built of logs, and the "God's 
Acre" surrounding it was covered by the primeval forest. 
The congregation was evidently small, there being only 
seven subscribers in 1800. After being conducted for a 
number of years as a separate parish, it was finally 
merged into St. John's. 

The first services in Charlestown were doubtless held 



THE DODDRIDGE FAMILY. 17 

in Dr. Doddridge's residence. By 1800 they had been 
moved to Brooke Academy, and the list of subscribers at 
that time numbered twenty-seven, among whom were 
Charles Prather, founder of the town ; Hon. Philip Dod- 
dridge, Nicholas Murray, Oliver Brown and other lead- 
ing citizens. Trinity appears to have been the original 
name of the parish, afterwards changed to Christ 
Church, and the congregation does not seem to have pos- 
sessed a permanent place of worship until 1848 when, 
mainly through the efforts of Danforth Brown, a neat 
brick structure with a Grecian portico was erected near 
the site of the present P. W. & K. depot, which was 
equipped with a small pipe organ. The congregation did 
not increase, and in a few years services were abandoned,, 
the parish being seemingly dead. About the year 1867, 
however, Rev. W. E. Webb, who then had charge of St. 
John's parish, and St. James's in Jefferson County, Ohio, 
having gathered together the few who had always re- 
mained faithful, renovated and reopened the Church and 
once more the service of the Prayer Book was heard 
within its walls. He was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Cowp- 
land, who for a series of years did excellent work in these 
three little parishes. An interesting incident occurred 
during his rectorship. Bishop Whittle was to make a 
visitation to Wellsburg (as Charlestown had been re- 
named in 1816), and the choir and congregation of St. 
Paul's, Steubenville, were invited to participate in the 
service. It was on Sunday evening and there being no 
service at St. Paul's, a local steamer was engaged, and a 
goodly number went down, which packed the little church 
to its full capacity. Present day readers may be sur- 
prised to learn that Mr. Cowpland took advantage of the 
occasion to don the surplice, which, if it had ever been 
used there, was so far back that everybody had forgotten 
it. About this time the surplice was restored in St. 



18 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

James's and St. John's Churches, the "advanced" move- 
ment not creating any agitation. 

The site of the Wellsburg church proved unfortu- 
nate, as it was on low ground, which was overflowed in 
high water, and the flood of 1884 so damaged the church 
and destroyed the furniture, including the organ, that it 
was decided to sell the site and seek another locality. 
A desirable lot was secured on upper Charles street, 
where a neat frame church and rectory were built, and 
where services have since been maintained in a dignified 
and churchly manner. 

It would be beyond the scope of our work to detail the 
services of Dr. Doddridge at Wheeling, Grave Creek 
(now Moundsville), and other points east of the Ohio 
River, the above having been related as preliminary to 
the better understanding of his more extensive and im- 
portant work north and west of the Ohio. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE CHURCH COMES TO OHIO. 

First Services in Steubenville — Home of Mary McGuire — Agree- 
ment with Dr. Doddridge — Beginning of St. James's. Cross 
Creek — A Western Diocese Proposed in 1810 — Meetings in 
1816 — Diocese of Ohio Created. 

That the first settlers of Eastern Ohio should be 
largely of he same type which had occupied Western 
Pennsylvania, and the Virginia Pan Handle was natural. 
In fact, the territory just east of the Ohio River was fre- 
quently used merely as a temporary halting place in their 
westward movement until it should be safe for the set- 
tlers to move on to their permanent home. Among 
these people were many solid citizens of Maryland and 
Virginia, who brought with them their Bibles and Prayer 
Books, and love for the Church of their fathers. But 
there was no church for them in the wilderness, and even 
had clergymen been obtainable, as they were not, the 
scarcity of money and the scattered condition of the pion- 
eers was not equal to their maintenance. Jefferson 
County had been permanently settled as early as 1785, 
and when the erection of Fort Steuben was begun in the 
fall of 1786, there was both here and on Mingo Bottom, 
three miles below, a busy little community, the germ of 
the great state of Ohio. With the western advance of 
the frontier the troops were moved from Fort Steuben 
in 1787, but the setlers remained, using the structure as 
a place of refuge whenever there were Indian alarms. 
The destruction of the fort by fire in 1790 made no ma- 
terial change, as the Indian peril was no longer imminent, 
besides there was probably enough of the material of the 



20 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

fort left to be useful in an emergency. Hence it was 
natural that when Young Deacon Doddridge came west 
after his ordination in 1792 his eyes should soon turn to- 
wards the flock without a shepherd on this side of the 
river. The exact date at which he held the first service 
here is uncertain, but it must have been very soon after 
his settlement at Charlestown. Judge Scott, whom we 
have already quoted as attending Mr. Doddridge's serv- 
ices at West Liberty in 1793, says: "We have been 
credibly informed that Dr. Doddridge was the first 
Christian minister who proclaimed the gospel of salvation 
in the now flourishing town of Steubenville in this state, 
and that some years previous to the close of the last cen- 
tury (eighteenth) he officiated there monthly, the place 
at that time containing but a few log cabins and a portion 
of Fort Steuben.' , 

When Miss Doddridge was preparing the memoir 
of her father, David Moody, one of the early settlers of 
Steubenville, furnished her with the following statement : 
"The Rev. Dr. Doddridge was the first Christian minis- 
ter who preached in our little village. As early as 1796 
he held monthly services in it, his congregation meeting 
in a frame building which stood on the south side of 
Market and Water streets. In 1798 the first Court 
House for the county was built, in which an upper room 
was reserved for religious purposes, free to all denomi- 
nations. In this room the Episcopalians met for worship. 
With some intervals this early missionary of the Church 
continued to officiate in Steubenville until Dr. Morse took 
charge of the parish in 1819." 

It will be observed that 1796 is not given as, the date 
of the first services, which, as we have stated, were no 
doubt very soon after Dr. Doddridge returned from Phil- 
adelphia in 1792, and the encouragement seems to have 



THE CHURCH COMES TO OHIO. 21 

been such that at least by 1796 they were held regularly 
at stated intervals. 

The assertion that Dr. Doddridge was the first 
Christian minister to hold religious services at what is 
now the city of Steubenville, has been questioned by the 
claim that there was some Methodist preaching here in 
1794-5. But, as we have said, it is altogether probable 
that Dr. Doddridge began his work here as early as 
1792-3, and by 1796 at least it was carried on regularly, 
by him alone, so that the statement has by no means been 
disproved. 

Details are lacking as to the progress made by this 
little germ of the Church in Eastern Ohio, but now and 
then we get a glimpse of it from some passing traveler. 
Fortesque Cumming, an English traveler who journeyed 
down the Ohio River in July, 1808, notes of Steuben- 
ville that "it contained four or five different sects of 
Christians, but no established ministers, except a Mr. 
Snodgrass to the Presbyterians, and a Mr. Doddridge, 
who comes up from Charlestown in Virginia every other 
Sunday to officiate to the Episcopalians in the Court 
House." 

The old log Court House which had stood since 
1798 was torn down in 1809, and what was then consid- 
ered quite an imposing brick structure erected in its place. 
Here services continued to be maintained until the erec- 
tion of the city market house with a room above for 
Council Chamber and other purposes in 1816. For some 
reason the place of holding services was changed to this 
apartment, where we will leave them for the present. 

In the meantime the town, which had been platted 
by Bezaleel Wells and James Ross, was not only growing 
into quite a community, but the back country was being 
settled, and this resulted in a strictly rural organization, 
which in numbers and activity for awhile seemed to over- 



22 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

shadow the village congregation, to the understanding of 
which we must go back a few years. In 1798 two fam- 
ilies, or more strictly speaking, two branches of the same 
family, originally from Virginia and Maryland, which 
had lived a few years at West Middletown, Pa., came to 
Ohio, crossing the river at Steubenville. They were 
composed of Mrs. Mary McGuire and her son, John, 
whose husband and father had been a member of the 
George Rogers Clark expedition, and later died in Ken- 
tucky, together with Benjamin Doyle, who had married 
Patience, Mrs. McGuire's daughter, and had a family of 
several children. Mrs. McGuire purchased a tract and 
built a residence in Cross Creek township, which years 
after became the home of the celebrated orator, William 
H. Gibson, and finally a part of the present county in- 
firmary farm. Benjamin Doyle located a short distance 
west of the present Union Cemetery, and built a tannery 
in Steubenville, finally removing into the town, where he 
died in 1828, leaving numerous descendants. All were 
earnest Church people, and that they at first attended the 
services of Dr. Doddridge at the Court House is more 
than probable. But others coming into the neighbor- 
hood, and the settlements extending westward, there was 
a desire to have the privileges of the gospel nearer home. 
Late in 1799, or early in 1800, Dr. Doddridge returned 
to Philadelphia for the purpose of obtaining priest's or- 
ders, and in March, 1800, he was admitted to the priest- 
hood by Bishop White. At the same time he took a 
course in medicine for the double purpose of increasing 
his usefulness in his field of labor and adding to his 
meagre and uncertain income, which was a necessity if 
he was to continue his work. He remained in Philadel- 
phia most of that year pursuing his studies, and we can 
be sure that he was not slow to urge the needs of his 
western field. It may be added here that his efficiency 




JEFFERSON COUNTY INFIRMARY, SITE OF MARY McGUIRE HOME. 




FTEUBENVILLE COURT HOUSE. SERVICES 1809-1816. 




OLD COUNCIL, CHAMBER. SERVICES 1816-18! 



THE CHURCH COMES TO OHIO. 23 

in medical and scientific pursuits was fully recognized by 
his election as honorary member of the Medico-Surgical 
Society of East Ohio upon its organization in 1821, and 
he was in 1812 elected an honorary member of the Phila- 
delphia Academy of Natural Sciences. 

As has been previously intimated, after his accession 
to the priesthood in 1800, Dr. Doddridge adopted the 
subscription plan for support at his different charges, and 
Mrs. McGuire and her neighbors, desiring regular and 
permanent services, on December 1, 1800, an agreement 
was entered into with Dr. Doddridge by which he was to 
visit her place every third Sunday in the month, hold 
service according to the Prayer Book, and perform such 
other duties as were incident to his office. The sub- 
scribers to this agreement were George Mahan, Benjamin 
Doyle, William McConnell, William Whitcraft, Joseph 
Williams, John Scott, Eli Kelly, John Long, George 
Ritchey, George Halliwell, Mary McGuire, Moses Han- 
Ion, William McConnell, John McKnight, John McCon- 
nell, Frederick Allbright. This was practically the first 
organized parish of the American Church in Ohio, and 
antedates a similar organization at Boardman by about 
nine years. 

One would think that by this time Dr. Doddridge 
had enough on his hands without taking the burden of 
additional duties. But no undertaking seemed too great 
for him where the Church was involved. He organized 
parishes in St. Clairsville, Morristown and Zanesville, and 
preached at other points. Of the ten parishes repre- 
sented in the first annual convention of the Ohio diocese 
four were organized by Dr. Doddridge, while he prac- 
ticed medicine and looked after his Virginia cures. 

The field was indeed ripe unto the harvest, but it was 
soon evident to Dr. Doddridge that if the Church was to 
hold its own in this section it must complete its organiza- 



24 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

tion according to its own standards. The different con- 
gregations were almost in the same situation as were the 
Colonial Churches before and during the Revolution. In 
theory they were Episcopal, but in practice they were 
Presbyterian or Congregational so far as government was 
concerned, each community b eing a law unto itself. 
Whether episcopacy be regarded as a divine precept or a 
practical form of Church government, it was apparent to 
Dr. Doddridge that they must have a bishop or there 
would soon be no Church in a literal sense. To obtain 
this he bent every energy. The first idea seems to have 
been the proposed formation of a diocese composed of 
Eastern Ohio, Western Virginia and Western Pennsyl- 
vania. But this did not find favor. The general Church, 
aside from any question of resources, was as firmly wed- 
ded to the state idea as was the Nation. In other words 
when there were sufficient Churchmen in any state to sup- 
port a bishop they could elect their man, and after ap- 
proval he would be consecrated, and the state for all 
ecclesiastical purposes become an independent diocese. It 
was not until the appointment of Kemper in 1835 that 
the General Convention rose to the comprehension of the 
Church's duty to SEND bishops to the missionary field. 
Dr. Doddridge's first memorial on this subject was sent 
in 1810 to Bishop White to be presented to the General 
Convention, asking for a bishop, but he received no reply 
for about eighteen months, when he learned that the peti- 
tion had been ignored. Perhaps this is the less surpris- 
ing when we consider that when it was desired to conse- 
crate Dr. Hobart as Bishop of New York in the spring of 
1811, the difficulty of getting three bishops together to 
perform that office was so great that it was feared an- 
other application to England would be necessary in or- 
der to preserve the succession. If such was the situation 
in one of the leading dioceses in the country it could 



THE CHURCH COMES TO OHIO. 25 

hardly be expected that the far-off cry of a handful of 
pioneers in Ohio would be effective. In a letter to Bishop 
White announcing the arrival of the newly elected 
Bishop Chase, dated December 4, 1818, he reviews the 
religious situation of the western country and the great 
loss sustained by not acceding to the memorial sent eight 
years before. Among other things he says : 

As a patriot, as well as an Episcopalian, I wished for that 
system of Christian doctrine, those forms of worship, and that 
form of ecclesiastical government, which bear the impress of 
the primitive ages, and which, of course, are best for this world 
as well as for the next. For the spiritual benefit of the many 
thousands of our Israel here, I was most anxious for the organ- 
ization of the Episcopal Church in this Country at an early 
period of its settlement. All my endeavors to obtain these 
objects were unsuccessful. From year to year I have witnessed 
the plunder of our people to increase the number and build the 
churches of societies, in my view, less valuable than their own. 
How often have these people said to me in the bitterness of 
their hearts: "Must we live and die without baptism for our 
children, and without the sacrament for ourselves?" * * * 

When, in 1810, the few Episcopal clergymen in this country 
made application through you to the General Convention to be 
associated together as a separate diocese, we confidently ex~ 
ment, it would be made. We never received the slightest in- 
formation respecting the fate of our petition until the arrival of 
a clergyman at my house from Philadelphia, whose name I do 
not now recollect, — in 1812, about eighteen months after the 
session of the General Convention, in which the subject had 
been, agitated. The issue of the business blasted our hopes. 
From that time our intercourse with each other became less 
frequent than it had ever been before; our ecclesiastical affairs 
fell into a state of languor, and one of our clergymen, wearied 
with disappointment, and seeing no prospect of any event favor- 
able to the prosperity of the church, relinquished the ministry. 
I kept my station, cheerless as it was, without hope of doing any- 
thing beyond keeping together a few of my parishioners during 
my own lifetime, after which, as I supposed, they and their 
descendants must attach themselves to such societies as they 
might think best. Such was the gloomy and unpleasant pros- 
pect before me. How often, during these years of hopeless 
despondency and discouragement, have I said to myself: "Is 
there not a single clergyman of my profession, of a zealous and 
faithful spirit, who would accept the holy and honorable office 
of a chorea episcopus for my country, and find his reward in 
the exalted pleasures of an approving conscience in gathering 
in the lost sheep of our Israel and planting churches in this new 



26 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 



world? Is there not one of our bishops possessed of zeal and 
hardihood enough to induce him to cross the Allegheny moun- 
tains, and engage in this laudable work?" Year after year you 
answered these questions in the negative. * * * 

When, about three years ago, I heard through indirect 
channels, some favorable reports concerning the prospects and 
the extension of the Episcopal Church in the Eastern States. I 
determined to make one more effort, for the purpose of ascer- 
taining the practicability of planting churches to the westward. 
Accordingly, in the autumn of 1815 I made a missionary tour 
in the interior of the state of Ohio, going as far as Chillicothe. 
where I held divine service twice. I also officiated both going 
and returning in nearly all the intermediate towns between that 
place and my place of residence. The prospect which this pre- 
sented was not discouraging. In almost every place I found 
skeletons of Episcopal congregations. 

The year following, in October, 1816, according to agree- 
ment made with the Rev. James Killbourn. at my house a few 
weeks previous, I went to Worthington, Ohio (about nine miles 
north of Columbus). During the tour I officiated eighteen 
times. The proceedings of that meeting are known to you. The 
communications which I made to you and Bishop Hobart at 
that time concerning them were never answered. 

Last week I made a tour of six days in the southern parts 
of Belmont and Monroe counties, Ohio, during which I offi- 
ciated seven times and found one congregation in the latter 
county in which I baptized thirty children, and had it not been 
that a mistake of one day occurred in the appointment, I was 
informed that the baptisms would have exceeded one hundred. 
Many of these people had been my parishioners previous to 
removing to their present localities, and, together with their 
neighbors, had delayed the baptism of their children in the hope 
of receiving that rite from a clergyman of their own church. 
This occurrence affected me deeply. 

It will be seen that although cast down by the failure 
of his efforts to secure additional helpers and episcopal 
supervision, Dr. Doddridge was not discouraged, but 
spurred himself to renewed energy, and in the eight 
years from 1810 to 1818 in his "journeyings often" prac- 
tically took in all of Southeastern Ohio, northward as far 
as Steubenville and westward as far as Worthington, 
nearly one-fourth of the entire state, at a time when even 
the best wagon roads were only mud trails, and the sad- 
dle horse his principal if not his only conveyance. We 
have heard much lately, and deservedly so, of heroes of 



THE CHURCH COMES TO OHIO. 27 

the mission field, but certainly none is better deserving 
of recognition than this pioneer priest, who, single 
handed during these weary years maintained the banner 
of the Church northwest of the Ohio, and ministered to 
the body diseased as well as the spiritual needs of the 
scattered faithful. 

Bishop Meade in his "Old Churches, Ministers and 
Families of Virginia," while giving credit to Dr. Dod- 
dridge for his zeal and self-denying labors, intimates that 
he exaggerated the needs of the Church people of the 
western country and underrated the hostility which ex- 
isted among a large portion of the population. Preju- 
dice and hostility no doubt existed, but Dr. Doddridge, 
who was on the ground, was certainly better able to as- 
certain the true condition of affairs than Bishop Meade 
on the other side of the mountains. Besides the figures 
and the work speak for themselves. 

It may be well to mention here that Worth- 
ing ton, in Franklin County, was settled in 1803 
by a band of Connecticut Churchmen, who or- 
ganized what was known as the Scioto Company, 
and emigrated here from the neighborhood of New Brit- 
ain, Conn., as soon as they ascertained that Ohio had 
been admitted as a free state. Their leader was James 
Kilbourn, who had taken deacon's orders in Connecti- 
cut, but followed the business of surveying. When the 
town was laid out a lot was reserved for the Church, and 
another for an academy. While Mr. Kilbourn main- 
tained services at Worthington, and afterwards sat in the 
diocesan convention as a clergyman, his employment was 
in the main secular, although his interest in Church ex- 
tension was always active. 

Having become satisfied that the time had now come 
for a more decided move towards securing a bishop for 
this section, Dr. Doddridge and Mr. Kilbourn held a con- 



28 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

ference at the former's residence in Wellsburg early in 
September of 1816, at which it was determined to call a 
meeting of the churches of this section, including West- 
ern Pennsylvania, to make application to the General 
Convention of 1817 for the appointment of a bishop. 
Mr. Kilbourn desired the meeting to be held at Worth- 
ington, to which Dr. Doddridge finally agreed, although 
he feared the long and difficult journey would prevent 
the Pennsylvania clergy from attending, which turned 
out to be the case, although they sent a le tter acquiescing 
in any step the meeting might take towards securing the 
object sought. 

October 21 was appointed for the meeting at Worth- 
ington, and on his way out Dr. Doddridge stopped over 
at Zanesville where, for two evenings in succession, he 
preached to congregations which taxed the Court House 
to its full capacity. A parish organization was formed 
and wardens and vestrymen elected, who at once chose 
Dr. Doddridge as their rector. 

We have very little detail of the meeting at Worth- 
ington, which lasted two days. Gen. G. H. Griswold, of 
that place, writing to Miss Doddridge in 1861, says : 

Such a meeting was held at this place on the 21»t and 22d 
of October of that year (1816). which was attended by the Rev. 
Dr. Joseph Doddridge of Virginia and the Rev. James Kill- 
bourn, at that time, I believe, the only Episcopal clergymen in 
the West; also by a number of lay delegates, of whom I can 
name the following: Ezra Griswold and David Prince, who 
represented the parish at this place, and Mr. Cunningham from 
near Steubenville, and a Mr. Palmer. The two latter made 
their quarters at our house. 

This convention, originating with the clergymen before 
named, was, as I understand, the first ever held in Ohio, and 
from which has arisen whatever success and importance our 
Church has attained. As I have no copy of the proceedings of 
that convention, I cannot inform you what was therein done 
beyond the adoption of a circular, an appeal to the Church east 
for help, and some order for further action, or subsequent con- 
ventions. Dr. Doddridge held service and preached three times 



THE CHURCH COMES TO OHIO. 29 

at this place, forenoon, afternoon and evening, on Sunday, 20th 
October, and went to Columbus and preached in the evening of 
Tuesday, 22d, and myself and Mr. Goodrich were in attendance 
at Columbus from this place. Dr. Doddridge was, as I well 
recollect, very popular with the people, and very generally men- 
tioned as probably the future bishop. 

Among the items of expense in the day book of 
E. H. Griswold (father of the above writer), is one 
charged to St. John's Church for $3.00 cash handed Col. 
Kilbourn for Rev. Joseph Doddridge, and $2.00 for keep- 
ing Mr. Cunningham, "who was a delegate from Steu- 
benville," two days and nights, self and horse. A favor- 
ite amusement in that locality at this time appears to 
have been bear hunting. 

As a result of this meeting a circular was prepared 
addressed to the bishops and clergy east of the Alle- 
ghenies setting forth in strong terms the destitution of 
the Church in the west, with a final appeal, "Come over 
into Macedonia and help us." This was followed by 
numerous signed petitions from both Ohio and Virginia, 
asking leave to form a diocese in the western country, 
which were sent to Bishops White and Hobart, to be 
presented to the General Convention at its forthcoming 
session in New York on May 20, 1817. The petition 
from St. James's, Cross Creek, was signed by William 
McConnell, Robert Maxwell, John Cunningham, Samuel 
Tipton, Alexander Cunningham, James Cunningham, 
George Mahan, Widow Mahan, Andrew Elliott, John 
McCullough, Gabriel Armstrong, Benjamin Doyle, Wil- 
liam and Thomas White, John McConnell, James Strong, 
Hugh Taggart, Richard White, James and John Foster, 
James Dugan, William Graham, Daniel Dunlevy. 

If Seabury may be considered as the George Wash- 
ington of the American Church, Hobart may be regarded 
as the John Marshall. While the former by his move- 
ments at the right time carried the movement for auton- 



30 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

omy to successful completion, the latter by his firm stand 
for the Catholic faith and Apostolic Order, joined to his 
great ability and energy of character, was elevating the 
Church out of its jellyfish condition, towards its proper 
position. Hence there was a prospect that the important 
paper would at least have a hearing. To enforce this 
appeal Dr. Doddridge addressed a six-page letter to 
Bishop Hobart in December, 1816, reviewing the condi- 
tion of affairs in the west, the openings presented for 
missionary work, and the desire of the people for the 
Church's ministry. He recalls the meeting at Worthing- 
ton, giving the proceedings in detail, and finally "begs 
his Rt. Rev. Brother speedily and freely to communicate 
to him his remarks on the course they had taken," and, 
"If in anything we have done amiss, or omitted to do 
anything we ought to have done, pray let us know it.' 5 

To these memorials no direct reply was received, and 
the first information received by Dr. Doddridge as to any 
action by the General Convention was a letter from Rev. 
Roger Searle dated Plymouth, Conn., August 4, 1817. 
Mr. Searle had come out to Ohio in February of 1817 
and remained in the northeastern part of the state 
through March and April, when he returned to the east. 
During his sojourn he organized St. Peter's parish, Ash- 
tabula; Trinity, Cleveland; St. Luke's, Ravenna; St. 
James's, Boardman, and several others. During this 
period he baptized 284 persons, and admitted 83 to Holy 
Communion, of course without or rather in advance of 
their confirmation. He has been referred to as the pion- 
eer clergyman of Ohio, but it is evident that pioneer work 
had been going on a quarter of century before he came to 
this section. The letter to Dr. Doddridge above referred 
to was as follows: 

Rev. and Dear Brother: I wrote you both from Pittsburgh 
and New York. Your long silence leads me to the conclusion 



THE CHURCH COMES TO OHIO. 31 

that my letters have not reached you. It was a matter of ex- 
treme regret to me that I could not see you on my way from 
the interior of Ohio. At Zanesville I learned that you were to 
officiate there the next Sunday, but my time was limited to be 
in New York at the session of the General Convention as a 
delegate from this state (Connecticut). At Zanesville, Cam- 
bridge, Morristown and St. Clairsville, I heard of your pious 
and zealous exertions in behalf of our beloved Zion, and I trust 
that the time is not far distant when I shall be permitted to 
unite with you in labors for this glorious cause in Ohio. 

With a view to the organization of the Church in the state 
of Ohio, a convention is duly appointed to convene at Colum- 
bus, 5th of January next, and you will have perceived from the 
journal of its proceedings, that the provisions of the late Gen- 
eral Convention are such as to have met your wishes as made 
known by you to the house of bishops, and to the bishops and 
others separately. 

You will also learn from the journal that our worthy friend 
from Zanesville. Dr. Reed, was not allowed a seat in the con- 
vention. Feeling as I did, >a common interest in the welfare of 
the Church in the West, it was then, and still is, my opinion, 
that that body ought to have dispensed with its general rules in 
reference to that individual. His deportment on the occasion 
was that of a Christian and a gentleman, and I sincerely hope 
he will feel satisfied that the convention had no reference to 
himself, personally, but to the general rules of the Church in its 
conventional capacity. 

Mr. Searle returned to Ohio in November, and 
having learned from Dr. Doddridge that he had never 
received a copy of the Convention Journal, writes from 
Zanesville under date of December 1, apologizing on be- 
half of all concerned for the inadvertence, and repairing 
the fault by sending him a copy. He calls attention to 
the fact that the doctor's "communications to the con- 
vention were duly recognized and the measures you 
urged were adopted with such modifications as were 
deemed essential by that body." 

Thus was Dr. Doddridge at last notified in this un- 
official and roundabout manner of the final outcome of 
his efforts, while he was yet uncertain of his future status. 

The petition which was taken east by Mr. Searle, 
and presented to the House of Deputies on May 23, 



32 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

1817, mentions nineteen parishes, including those at 
Steubenville, St. Clairsville, Morristown and Cam- 
bridge, but Cross Creek is omitted. In addition to the 
creation of the diocese of Ohio, a canon was passed au- 
thorizing Western Pennsylvania and Western Virginia 
to place themselves under care of the Bishop of Ohio. 



CHAPTER IV. 
A NEW ERA. 

The Chase Family — First Bishop of Ohio — Organization of St. 
Paul's — Request of St. James's People for a Bishop — First 
Episcopal Visitations — Ivarge Confirmation Classes — Inter- 
est of the People. 

For a better understanding of the proceedings which 
led to the formation of the diocese of Ohio and the elec- 
tion of its first bishop, it is necessary to retrace our steps 
considerably, both as to time and place. In Bucking- 
hamshire, England, twenty-six miles northwest of Lon- 
don, lies the little town of Chesham with its venerable 
St. Mary's Church, dating back to the year 1100. Here 
lived a family of the name of Chase, members of the 
Church of England, some of whom at least seem to have 
been in sympathy with the Puritans of the seventeenth 
century. One of them, named Aquila, came to New Eng- 
land in 1640. It was a saying among some of the New 
England immigrants that they had fled from the "Lords 
Bishops" only to fall into the worse hands of the "Lords 
Brethren," and possibly Aquilla and his wife thought so 
when they were arrested one day for "gathering peas on 
the Sabbath Day." Fortunately they escaped with an 
admonishment not to be caught again in such a proceed- 
ing. Without following in detail the movements of the 
Chase family, it is sufficient to say that in the latter part 
of the eighteenth century we find one of Aquila's de- 
scendants, Dudley Chase, with Allace Corbett Chase, his 
wife, located with a growing family at Cornish, New 
Hampshire, a pioneer town, in the upper Connecticut 
River valle\, since a favorite summer home for litera- 



34 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

teurs and statesmen. Here they tilled their land, and 
helped to make the wilderness blossom, while they were 
rearing their children in a manner that qualified them for 
the high places they and their descendants should after- 
wards occupy in Church and State. Without going into 
family details, it is sufficient to say that Abigail, the 
third daughter, who was born on November 9, 1759, 
married John Morse, a relative of the famous telegraph 
inventor. To this union was born on March 21, 1791, a 
boy named Intrepid, of whom we shall have much to say 
hereafter. Ithamas, Dudley's fourth son, was born Sep- 
tember 27, 1762, and became the father of Salmon P. 
Chase, U. S. Senator, Governor of Ohio, and Chief Jus- 
tice of the United States. The fifteenth and youngest 
child, Philander, was born December 14, 1775, and in 
1796 was married to Miss Mary Fay, of Hardwick, 
Mass. 

Young Chase seems to have been destined by his 
parents for the Congregational ministry, and the only 
marked event recorded of his early life was an accident 
which crippled him for several months, followed by a 
broken leg. Tutored by his brothers, he entered Dart- 
mouth College in the fall of 1791, from which he gradu- 
ated in 1795. A change had taken place during this 
period. About the latter part of 1793 he happened across 
a copy of the Book of Common Prayer, which in those 
days, especially in that section, was a very scarce article. 
Like the professors at Yale, and Doddridge at Cannons- 
burg, the beauty of its composition and the dignified or- 
der of worship first attracted his attention, but his schol- 
arly instincts soon led him below these surface indica- 
tions. The claims of apostolic ministry, valid adminis- 
tration of sacraments, dignity and stability of public 
worship, powerfully affected not only the young man 
himself, but the whole family connection, and the entire 



A NEW ERA. 35 

community. The old meeting house at Cornish, where 
the Chases had worshipped, had fallen into decay, so it 
was torn down and in its place was erected, with not a 
dissenting voice, a plain but neat structure, still standing, 
where the worship of the Church according to the Prayer 
Book, has been carried on from that day to this. 

Now as anxious to enter the ministry as he had be- 
fore been lukewarm, Mr. Chase began his work by acting 
as lay reader at Cornish, N. H., and Bethel, Vt. ; also 
teaching school at the latter place to help support him- 
self while finishing his education. Clergymen were al- 
most as scarce in that region as in Ohio, where Dr. Dod- 
dridge was holding up the banner of the Church, but 
Rev. Bethuel Chittenden, brother of the Governor of 
Vermont, hearing of the two little flocks up in the wil- 
derness, came over to meet them. He was received as 
"a well ordained minister of Christ." Bishop Chase long 
afterwards described him as "almost like St. John in the 
Wilderness, clothed in sheepskin 'smalls,' glazed by hard 
and frequent use, and a threadbare blue coat, yet his per- 
son was clean and his manners gentle, savoring of true 
piety mingled with good sense and enlivening remarks. 
It was from this man (ordained by Bishop Seabury), 
that I received my first Communion, and well do I re- 
member with what solemnity he consecrated the elements 
of bread and wine, to represent the 'Body broken and the 
Blood poured out/ once for all, on the Cross for the sins 
of the world. These I received from the hands of one 
commissioned of the Lord to give them to me." 

There being at that time no theological seminary in 
America, as soon as possible after his graduation from 
Dartmouth, Mr. Chase went to Albany, N. Y., the near- 
est point where there was an English clergyman who 
could help him forward in his studies. Without an intro- 
duction or funds he succeeded in finding Rev. Thomas 



36 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Ellison, of St. Peter's parish, who gave him every en- 
couragement, secured for him an appointment as a city 
school teacher, and also gave him occupation as lay reader 
in the neighborhood. While here he was married, be- 
fore his ordination to the diaconate, which took place on 
May 10, 1798, in St. George's chapel, Trinity parish, 
New York. He was now appointed itinerant missionary 
in northern and western New York, where in a little over 
a year he traveled more than 4,000 miles, baptized 14 
adults and 319 infants, held divine service and preached 
213 times, and distributed Prayer Books, Catechisms, 
etc., founding what proved afterwards some of the 
strongest parishes in the state. 

On November 10, 1799, he was ordained priest in St. 
Paul's Chapel, New York, and took charge of the par- 
ishes at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill. To help support his 
family he conducted a seminary at the former place. 

When New Orelans became an American city in 
1803, it had a population of about 10,000, mostly French 
Creoles and their slaves, the Roman Catholic being the 
only religion that was tolerated. During the next two 
years there was a considerable influx of Americans, and 
in 1805 they sent a request to Bishop Provoost, of New 
York, to send them a minister, and he called on Mr. 
Chase to undertake the work. Leaving his family be- 
hind, he sailed from New York in October, and after a 
stormy voyage, arrived at New Orleans in time to hold 
his first service on November 17. The situation was 
somewhat peculiar, the actual number of Churchmen in 
the city was doubtless very small, and the non-Roman 
community was made up of persons of various denomi- 
nations, who, however, claimed the common name "Prot- 
estant." They seemed to have the idea of a sort of union 
conventicle, but Mr. Chase was firm on this point. He 
had come to organize a parish in communion with the 



A NEW ERA. 37 

Church, subject to the direction of the Bishop and Con- 
vention of the Diocese of New York, and would remain 
under no other conditions. Fortunately the word "Prot- 
estant" on the title page of the Prayer Book for once 
served a method of temporary compromise. The orig- 
inal charter granted by the legislature was to the "Prot- 
estants" of the city, but in the winter of 1806-7 the char- 
ter was amended, and the parish of Christ Church, now 
the cathedral, duly and legally organized. Mr. Chase 
returned to Poughkeepsie in the summer of 1806 for his 
family. Leaving their two children with their Uncle 
Dudley in Vermont, they reached New Orleans in safety, 
but a subsequent vessel with all their belongings was lost. 
Once more Mr. Chase was obliged to turn to teaching to 
get himself straightened out financially, and the work he 
did here had a very important influence on educational 
progress in Louisiana. In fact, his entire work in New 
Orleans was of magnitude, both for the community and 
the Church. He was now receiving an annual salary of 
$2,000, quite a large one for those days, but the desire to 
be again with their children in the North induced Mr. 
and Mrs. Chase to leave New Orleans after staying there 
about six years. Not long after their return Mr. Chase 
was called to the rectorship of Christ Church, Hartford, 
Conn., where he resided until leaving for Ohio in the 
spring of 1817. This was doubtless the most pleasant 
period of his life. With good society, a faithful congre- 
gation and comfortable home, it would seem natural that, 
with his serious troubles over, he could pursue calmly the 
duties of a loved and respected parish priest until the time 
came when he could sing his Nunc Dimittis, and be 
gathered to his fathers. But this, instead of looking to- 
wards the end, was really only the beginning. An event 
was impending which was destined to radically change 
the lives of himself and entire family. Providence had 



38 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

other ends in view than that Philander Chase should end 
his days in a quiet New England city. The memorials 
from St. James's Church and appeals from elsewhere 
had been heard on high at least, and were soon to bear 
their legitimate fruits. 

Details are lacking as to the immediate influences 
which induced the pleasantly situated priest in Hartford 
to first turn his thoughts towards locating in Ohio. Pos- 
sibly he may have heard of Dr. Doddridge's appeals, al- 
though there is no evidence that such was the case. One 
statement is to the effect that he came by arrangement 
with Mr. Kilbourn, and circumstances are all but con- 
clusive that it was in response to a call from the little 
band at Worthington that Mr. Chase finally concluded 
to come west. A bishop had been talked of, but no ac- 
tion had yet been taken, and we have no intimation that 
any inducement was held out that he might be selected 
for that office. What we do know is that early in 1817 
Mr. Chase announced to his flock that he must leave 
them, and, on the second day of March, administered to 
them the Holy Communion for the last time. Early 
next morning he bade his family farewell, and left by 
stage for Buffalo, four hundred miles distant. The hard- 
ships and perils of this journey, by almost impassable 
roads and over the frozen water off the shores of Lake 
Erie would have discouraged any ordinary man, but at 
length Conneaut Creek was reached, where the future 
bishop held his first service in Ohio. Mr. Chase was 
now in his forty-second year, in the prime of life, and 
with a vigorous constitution. There was not a Church- 
man in the little hamlet, but that did not prevent a serv- 
ice from the Prayer Book with a sermon. The next day, 
Monday, the 17th, a conveyance carried him to Ashta- 
bula, where Mr. Searle had formed St. Peter's parish the 
previous month. Here he remained a week, and then 



A NEW ERA. 39 

passing through the little town of Rome, reached Wind- 
sor, Ashtabula County, where he stayed several weeks. 
While here he and Mr. Searle had a conference with 
some laymen, and a memorial was prepared for presenta- 
tion to the General Convention, similar to the one 
adopted by Dr. Doddridge and others at the Worthing- 
ton conference the previous October. Bishop Perry, in 
his history, erroneously characterizes the Windsor docu- 
ment as "the first attempt at organization of the Church 
in the West." From Windsor Mr. Chase proceeded to 
Ravenna, Middleburg and Zanesville (where he found 
"a very respectable congregation organized under the 
pious and praiseworthy exertions of Rev. Mr. Dod- 
dridge"), thence to Columbus, Springfield, Dayton and 
Cincinnati, holding services at all these points. He held 
service at Worthington, the first Sunday in June, and 
during the following week became rector of St. John's 
Church there, Trinity, Columbus, and St. Peter's Dela- 
ware; he bought five lots in Worthington, and a farm 
of 150 acres. Mr. Chase was also appointed principal of 
Worthington Academy, so with other missionary work 
his time was evidently occupied. His wife joined him in 
June, and he now considered himself permanently located 
in his new home. In a letter Mrs. Chase says, "May God 
avert the necessity of another removal." This seems 
prophetic, for in a few months Mrs. Chase's health began 
to fail and on May 5, 1818, she passed into Paradise. 

According to the directions of the General Conven- 
tion the Preliminary Convention to organize the diocese 
of Ohio, assembled at Worthington on January 5, 1818. 
Dr. Doddridge was not present, and, as Miss Doddridge 
says, "Owing to the want of timely notice but one of the 
four parishes organized by Dr. Doddridge in Ohio was 
represented in that body." In fact, the only clergymen 
present were Messrs. Chase, Kilbourn and Searle, and 



40 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

there were ten lay delegates. Mr. Chase presided and a 
constitution was adopted, by which the first annual con- 
vention assembled in the same town on June 3 follow- 
ing. Two additional clergymen were present, Mr. John- 
ston, of Cincinnati, and Dr. Doddridge. There were 
eleven lay delegates, including Charles Hammond, of St. 
James's Church, Jefferson County, later the well-known 
jurist and editor of the Cincinnati Gazette, who was 
elected Secretary. 

One of the first questions which arose was on the 
seating of Dr. Doddridge, who, although residing across 
the river in Virginia, yet had charge of several Ohio par- 
ishes, and had done more work in this state than all the 
rest of the clergy present combined. The matter was 
referred to a committee of which Mr. Hammond was a 
member. This committee reported its opinion that ac- 
cording to the existing canons and the resolutions of the 
preceding General Convention, Dr. Doddridge was not 
entitled to a seat in the present convention, but express- 
ing the highest appreciation of his labors and the hope 
that he would lose no time in taking such measures as 
were essential to constitute him a member. The report 
was agreed to and a resolution adopted requesting Dr. 
Doddridge to sit in the convention as an honorary mem- 
ber. 

While Dr. Doddridge felt hurt at being excluded on 
exceedingly technical grounds from membership in the 
body whose very existence had been principally due to 
his efforts, yet he cheerfully accepted the situation and 
sat with that body during the remainder of the session. 

The important business before the convention was 
the election of a bishop. Of the four clerical votes in 
the convention three were cast for Mr. Chase, and one, 
probably Mr. Chase's, given for Dr. Doddridge. This 
action was unanimously confirmed by the lay vote, and 



A NEW ERA. 41 

Mr. Chase declared elected. Dr. Doddridge expressed 
his concurrence and satisfaction at the result, which, at 
his request, was entered on the minutes of the conven- 
tion. 

In the fall of 1818 Mr. Chase left for the East to 
obtain his consecration to the episcopate, but owing to 
unexpected obstacles the ceremony was delayed nearly 
four months. On February 11 following, in St. James's 
Church, Philadelphia, he received the laying on of hands 
from Bishop White, of Pennsylvania; Hobart, of New 
York; Kemp, of Maryland, and Croes, of New Jersey. 
He started west the next day, officiating at Pittsburgh 
on February 21, and reaching home on March 3, 1819. 

As may be supposed, Bishop Chase did not allow 
time to hang on his hands, but after getting settled and 
looking after the affairs of his own particular parishes, 
for it must be remembered he depended on them princi- 
pally for his income, there being no provision for the 
support of the episcopate, he entered upon his round of 
visitations. During this year he married Miss Sophia 
May Ingraham, of Philadelphia, aunt of Rt. Rev. Wil- 
liam Ingraham Kip, first Bishop of California, who 
proved a most helpful companion to him. A summary 
of his first circuit of the diocese is given in his address 
to the convention of 1819, and a condensed report of his 
visitations in Southeastern Ohio will give a very good 
idea of the condition of the Church in this section : 



May 1, 1819, I arrived at Zanesville; the next day being 
Sunday, I preached and performed divine service. The congre- 
gation, particularly in the afternoon, was numerous and atten- 
tive. 

On Tuesday following (May 4) I met, according to previous 
arrangement, the Rev. Dr. Doddridge, at Cambridge, 25 miles 
east of Zanesville. After performing the service together in the 
Court House (congregation small) we proceeded up Wills 
Creek to Seneca village, about twenty miles. At the desire of 



42 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 



the family. I read prayers at the bedside of a sick woman, and 
gave her the blessing. 

May 5 we proceeded on our journey to fulfill an appoint- 
ment made for me by Dr. Doddridge, to hold service at Mr. 
Dement's, about ten or eleven miles from the village. * * * At 
the sight of us they were greatly rejoiced, and being too numer- 
ous to be all accommodated with seats in the log cabin, they 
removed to a convenient place in the adjoining wood. Here, 
with a small table taken from the cabin and covered with a 
coarse white cloth, on which to lay the holy books, the trees 
and the sky for our canopy, and an assembly of people from the 
neighboring woods for our audience, the Doctor and myself 
performed the solemn services of the Church, and baptized a 
number of children. As soon as the services were over the con- 
gregation crowded to the cabin whither we had repaired. Here 
a most interesting scene took place. A number of young men 
and women being deeply affected at beholding the services, par- 
ticularly that of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism, applied for 
spiritual instruction. It was given them, and several were bap- 
tized. At evening the house was again crowded, and a number 
of adults and infants were baptized. Dr. D. delivered a sermon 
in a very impressive manner on the subject of the Christian 
Church and ordinances. Learning that a number of families on 
Little Beaver Creek belonging to this organized parish were 
desirous of public ministrations, the next day we went thither. 
The congregation was assembled. Dr. D. read prayers, and the 
sermon was preached by myself. One adult and several chil- 
dren were baptized; the whole number baptized in this parish 
of Seneca was 24. Most of the heads of the parish being pres- 
ent at Mr. Wendell's on Little Beaver, they proceeded to elect 
a delegate to the Convention and to take measures for the build- 
ing of a new church. Dr. D. preached an appropriate sermon. 
Service had been appointed at Barnesville, 10 or 12 miles further 
on, but being delayed by rain, we did not arrive until the con- 
gregation had dispersed. At evening, however, the people as- 
sembled, the service of our Church was performed, and a ser- 
mon preached in the Methodist meeting house. 

The next day (May 7), at Morristown, the people had 
assembled in great numbers in a convenient schoolhouse. Here 
divine service was performed, and a sermon preached; three 
persons desiring the rite of Confirmation and the Sacrament of 
the Lord's Supper, both these ordinances were administered to 
them. The audience never having witnessed the like before, 
seemed deeply affected. On our way to St. Clairsville, the same 
day, the Sacrament of Baptism was administered to five or six 
children. 

May 8, Saturday, at 11 o'clock, divine service was celebrated 
at the Court House, St. Clairsville, and an impressive discourse 
was delivered by Dr. Doddridge. In the evening the sermon 
was preached by myself. The congregations were considerably 
numerous and attentive. Sunday, May 9, being uncommonly 



A NEW ERA. 43 



fine., the people began to assemble at an early hour, and the 
house, ere the service began, was much crowded. In the morn- 
ing divine service was performed, and the rite of Confirmation 
was administered to thirteen persons, and the Sacrament of the 
Lord's Supper to eleven. At the evening service ithe Sacrament 
of Baptism was administered. This congregation is one among 
those in which the Rev. Dr. Doddridge regularly officiates, yet 
some peculiar circumstances had hitherto prevented him from 
attempting the administration of the Lord's Supper among them. 
Happily those impediments are now set aside. 

At St. Clairsville Dr. D. left me to visit his family, and on 
Monday, May 10. at his particular request, I passed over the 
Ohio River to Wheeling, where I performed Morning Prayer 
in public, and preached a sermon to the people, after which they 
saw fit to organize a parish by choosing their wardens and ves- 
trymen (St. Matthew's). Also while on the Virginia side I per- 
formed the visitation office to a sick man, a Mr. Wilson, and the 
next day preached and performed divine service at West Lib- 
erty. May 13, I again joined my worthy friend and brother, Dr. 
D., at his house in Wellsburg, and twice the same day we held 
divine service. In the evening the congregation was large and 
very attentive. May 14, attended by the Doctor and some of 
his family. I went to St. John's parish, about 10 miles northeast 
of Wellsburg. Here the Morning Service was performed and a 
sermon preached, after which I visited a sick woman, and the 
same night passed over to Steubenville, on the Ohio side of the 
river. 

May 15, Morning and Evening Service were celebrated this 
day in Steubenville, the former in the Methodist meeting house, 
and the latter in the Court House. The congregations in both 
places were numerous and attentive. 

Sunday, May 16, having been previously appointed for the 
administration of the Apostolic Rite of Confirmation, and the 
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper in this place, the congregation, 
by the kind and pressing request of the Methodist Society, met 
in their meeting house. The press was very great, so that it 
was with great difficulty that room was preserved to do the 
duties of the day. The discourse was delivered by Dr. Dod- 
dridge. I administered Confirmation to thirty-eight, and the 
Lord's Supper to about twenty-five. Great reverence and 
devout attention appeared in the behaviour of all present. In 
the afternoon of this day, divine service, at the request of the 
minister and people of the Presbyterian denomination, was per- 
formed in their meeting house. Six or seven children were bap- 
tized. At candle lighting I again performed service in the 
Methodist meeting house, and gave notice that the Episcopa- 
lians would meet me the next morning at the home of Mr. 
Dickinson. 

Monday, May 17, I organized a parish by the name of St. 
Paul's Church, in Steubenville, to the great satisfaction of the 
friends of our Zion. They appointed their delegate to the Con- 



44 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

vention, and took measures for procuring regular services; I 
also this day baptized twenty children. 

Tuesday, being joined by Dr. Doddridge, who had been on 
Sunday afternoon called away to attend the sick, I proceeded 
across the woods to St. James's Church, a small building erected 
for public worship about ten or twelve miles from Steubenville. 
For public services they depend on Dr. Doddridge, who attends 
a certain portion of his time. The number of communicants I 
could not exactly know, as the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's 
Supper was, through mistake, not provided for at this visita- 
tion. The probable number is, however, about fifty. After 
Morning Prayer and a sermon, I administered Confirmation to 
twenty-one persons. 

Here I took leave of my worthy friend and brother, and 
proceeded on my way towards Cadiz, where divine service had 
been appointed on the morrow. In company with a Mr. Finley 
and a Mr. Henderson, I reached that night the neighborhood 
where they lived, about nine miles from St. James's, nearly 
west. I had been told that old Mr. Finley was sick, that he de- 
sired the consolations of religion, and that the neighborhood 
would be glad of my ministrations. I complied with the request, 
and the event proved that there was a particular providence in 
so doing. 

The Bishop proceeds with a most interesting account 
of his ministrations to the Finley famliy, followed the 
next day by confirmation of eleven persons residing in the 
neighborhood, and administration of the Lord's Supper 
to a like number. In fact, the Bishop unfortunately, per- 
haps, made it too interesting, for Bishop Perry copies 
this portion of the address verbatim as an illustration of 
the condition of things in Southeastern Ohio, omitting 
altogether the accounts of the work done in what are 
now Guernsey, Belmont and Jefferson Counties, the 
crowded congregations and the organization of parishes 
grown up through years of care by a faithful priest. 
Perhaps Bishop Meade had read this also. Even the 
few lines we have quoted show that the Finleys lived 
only nine miles from St. James's Church, where services 
were regularly held, and where they were doubtless able 
to attend, at least occasionally. That the spiritual desti- 
tution was great in this section has already been made 



A NEW ERA. 45 

manifest, but it is equally true that there was a faithful 
shepherd in the field, doing his best to look after the 
scattered flock, and his efforts were responded to by faith- 
ful laymen, both in an organized and individual capacity. 
Although Bishop Perry does not state directly that this 
was the first church service held in this section, yet such 
is the inference, followed by other writers who failed to 
look up the matter for themselves. It may be added here 
that the Bishop proceeded to Cadiz, where he held a serv- 
ice, where he had an attentive congregation, but con- 
taining few Churchmen. From thence to Cambridge 
and Zanesville, where he met his nephew, Rev. Intrepid 
Morse, who had just returned from a missionary tour. 

William R. Dickinson, at whose residence the formal 
organization of St. Paul's parish took place, came to 
Steubenville about 1805 from Chillicothe, and formed a 
partnership with Bezaleel Wells in fine wool growing and 
manufacturing. His home was located on the east side 
of Third street, a short distance above Market, a two- 
story brick dwelling, which was razed in 1883 to make 
room for the extension of McGowan Bros.' wholesale 
house. His first wife was a daughter of Dr. McDowell, 
the pioneer physician of this section, and the second, Miss 
Johnson, a niece of Dr. McDowell. In 1830 Mr. Dick- 
inson removed to Texas, where he died. His grandson, 
Hon. J. M. Dickinson, of Nashville, Tenn., was Secre- 
tary of War during President Taft's administration. 

The Article of Association as agreed to by the meet- 
ing at Mr. Dickinson's house reads as follows : 

"We whose names are hereunto affixed, deeply im- 
pressed with the truth and importance of the Christian 
religion, and anxiously desirous of promoting its holy 
influence in the hearts and lives of our families and 
neighbors, do hereby associate ourselves together by the 
name, style and title of the Parish of St. Paul's Church, 



46 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Steubenville, in communion with the Protestant Episco- 
pal Church in the state of Ohio." Signed by Brice Veirs, 
John C. Wright, Robert Thompson, Jacob C. Hoghland, 
George Chapman, Joseph Griffin, John Sutcliffe, Nicho- 
las Hutchins, Daniel E. Collier, Ephraim Root Jr., 
Christopher H. Orth, William R. Dickinson, Bezaleel 
Wells, Thomas Marshall, James Turner, J. P. Armitage, 
Emanuel Ludwig, Nathaniel Dike, Joseph Beatty, John 
H. Veirs, John Taylor. 

At this meeting Brice Veirs was elected Senior War- 
den ; George Chapman, Junior Warden ; Nicholas Hutch- 
ins. Jacob C. Hoghland and Ephraim Root Jr., Vestry- 
men. The last named was also elected Secretary and 
delegate to the diocesan convention, Bishop Chase acting 
as chairman. 

It is probable that some of the signatures to the 
above articles of association were given after the meet- 
ing at which they were adopted, to which were shortly 
appended the following additional names, representing 
the heads of families : Widow Elliott, William Baker, 
Thomas Maxwell, Andrew Thompson, Widow Barron, 
Edward Wood, Thomas Lewis, Daniel L. Collier, Widow 
Jones, Frances R. Wilson, Benjamin Doyle, Edward 
Egan, John Foster, John Hanlon, Joseph Brashear, Wil- 
liam Fowler, William Armstrong, Alexander Davitt, 
Elizabeth Tappan, Charles McDowell, James Maley, 
Robert McNair, David F. Kirkpatrick, John B. Doyle, 
McGuire Doyle. These two lists seem to include all the 
families directly connected with the parish previous to 
April 4, 1825. 

The first confirmation class, composed of thirty- 
eight persons, above referred to by Bishop Chase, in- 
cluded William R. Dickinson, Joseph G. Doddridge, Nar- 
cissa Doddridge (Wellsburg), Alexander McConnell, 
John McConnell, James Cunningham, William Cunning- 




WILLIAM R. DICKINSON RESIDENCE, CENTRAL BUILDING. 







"OLD ACADEMY." SERVICES 1822-183S 



A NEW ERA. 47 

ham, Jane Cunningham, Catherine Cunningham, Wil- 
liam A. Elliott, George Elliott, William, Ruth, Elizabeth, 
Anna and Susanna Baxter, George Atkinson, Andrew 
Young, Joseph Griffin, Charles S. Barron, George 
Beatty, William Baker, John Henderson, Jane Hender- 
son, Rachel Elson, Eleanor Cunningham, John Atkinson, 
John Hanlon, Elizabeth Beatty, Charity, Catherine and 
Margaret Hendricks, Mary Cairns, Rachel Elliott, Mar- 
gery Hanlon ; John Foster, Jemima Marsh, Nancy Ham- 
mond. To this list is appended a note of the confirma- 
tion of Bezaleel Wells and Sarah Wells, his wife, at 
Worthington on June 11, 1820. 

In order to give a connected account of the early 
work at Steubenville and the formation of the Ohio dio- 
cese we have omitted to follow the progress of the little 
band which organized at Mrs. McGuire's house in 1800, 
the origin of St. James's parish. Having moved a few 
miles further west the place of holding service went with 
her, but about 1814 she moved out of the county, which 
severed her connection with the parish. Services were 
continued, however, at other dwellings and at White's 
schoolhouse. At a meeting on December 1, 1816, Dr. 
Doddridge presiding, was prepared and signed the first 
memorial asking leave to form a diocese in the western 
country, already noticed. At this meeting Robert Max- 
well and James Strong were elected Wardens, and John 
McConnell, Andrew Elliott, John Foster and John Cun- 
ningham, Vestrymen. Mr. Cunningham was appointed 
lay reader, with instructions to perform public service 
every Sunday when the rector was absent, at such place 
or places as the congregation might appoint. A Vestry 
meeting was held on August 20, 1817, at which a list of 
fifty-two communicants was reported with thirteen bap- 
tisms during the previous two years. It was ordered 
that a site for a church edifice and graveyard be pro- 



48 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

cured from Andrew Elliott. In pursuance of this reso- 
lution an acre of land was secured in the southwest cor- 
ner of Section 33 in Cross Creek township, near the 
Wayne township line as being a more central location for 
the country members, generally, while those to whom 
Steubenville was nearer could attend services in that 
place. Preparations were made for erecting a church 
edifice of wood, the congregation meanwhile assembling 
in the schoolhouse. The deed was made on July 7, 1821, 
for the nominal consideration of $15, the instrument 
reciting that the church was built. At the first annual 
convention of the diocese Charles Hammond, the dele- 
gate from St. James's, was elected Secretary, and took a 
prominent part in the proceedings of that body. At this 
convention Dr. Doddridge made the following report: 
"St. James's Church in the County of Jefferson, nine 
miles from Steubenville, was formed about two years 
ago, it contains about thirty families and is increasing. 
The number of communicants, fifty-two; the number of 
baptisms within two years has considerably exceeded one 
hundred. They are a steady, pious people, and zealously 
attached to the doctrines and worship of our Church." 

With the exception of permanent seats the new 
church was ready for use on the occasion of Bishop 
Chase's first visitation, on May 17, 1819, when twenty- 
two persons were confirmed, including James and Pru- 
dence Strong, Edward and Jane Lewis, Moses and Mary 
Einley, Alexander and Mary Cunningham, Benjamin 
and Mary Cunningham, Benjamin and Patience Doyle, 
Abner, Mary, Margaret and Isabella Hutton, Thomas 
and James Dugan, Robert, George, Alexander, John and 
Prudence Henderson, Alexander and Mary McConnell, 
Margaret McConnell, David and Jane Finley, William 
and Mary Cunningham, James and Jane Cunningham, 
Catherine and Eleanor Cunningham, William McCon- 



A NEW ERA. 49 

nell. This list evidently includes eleven confirmed next 
day at the Finley residence, who became members of St. 
James's, making thirty-three in all. Benjamin and Pa- 
tience Doyle soon after became identified with St. Paul's. 

A week later a contract was made with Edward 
Lewis to construct twenty-four pews for the church, 
painted in mahogany and number on the ends next the 
aisle, for $50.00 out of the amount of the subscription 
for this church raised in Steubenville. Daniel Dunlevy, 
Gabriel Armstrong and Edward Lewis were added to 
the Vestry in 1821, the two last named becoming War- 
dens. 

About this time one William Seaton conducted serv- 
ices at intervals, but he does not appear to have ever be- 
come a canonical priest in this diocese, and his habits be- 
ing inconsistent with his office, he retired to a farm which 
he purchased near Olivesburg, Richland County. St. 
James's was represented in the convention of 1819 by 
John Goodrich, and St. Paul's by Ephraim Root. John 
C. Wright, of the latter parish, was elected member of 
the Standing Committee. 



CHAPTER V. 

A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 

Rev. Mr. Morse Accepts Call to St. Paul's — His Early History 
and Ordination — Old Church at Duanesburgh — Interesting 
Coincidences — Congregation Moves to "Old Academy" — 'Mr. 
Morse Assumes Charge at Cross Creek — Death of Father 
Doddridge — Founding of Kenyon College — Internal Trou- 
bles — Bishop Chase's Last Days. 

One of the first steps taken by the newly elected 
Vestry of St. Paul's Church was to secure a permanent 
rector, and an arrangement was made with the Rev. In- 
trepid Mors£, then officiating in the central parts of the 
diocese, to give one-fourth of his time to this parish, one- 
half being given to Zanesville, and the other fourth to 
different places. None then realized that an association 
was then to be formed, which would last nearly half a 
century. 

As previously stated, Mr. Morse was born at Cor- 
nish, N. H., on March 21, 1791, being the son of John 
and Abigail Chase Morse, and a nephew of Bishop 
Chase. He attended school at Fairview, Conn., and 
afterwards took up the study of medicine. As the 
members of the Chase family within a few years be- 
came communicants of the Church, Mr. Morse was 
brought up in her faith and practice, but when a young 
man he was impressed by the self-denying labors of the 
Moravian missionaries among the Indians to such an 
extent that he seems to have contemplated uniting with 
them for that work. The following extract from a letter 
written him by his cousin, George Chase, from Hart- 
ford, Conn., dated May 3d, 1814, throws some light on 
this matter: 



A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 51 



I have reserved this page to give you freely my mind con- 
cerning certain subjects. I have asked father (the future 
bishop), what he would think if I should enter into the society 
of the Moravians. "If you had any real design of going there 
I would tell you., but it is not possible you should have got any 
such whim in your head." "Well, suppose I had, what would 
you say?" "All I would say would be this., you would one day 
bitterly repent it." From my father's opinion, given more freely 
on this subject, forgive me, Intrepid, if I say, I cannot much 
regret your disappointment. The Moravians are apostolic and 
indefatigable people, but they entirely seclude themselves from 
the innocent pleasures sent by kind Heaven to cheer us in this 
Vale of Misery. Your motives are good in endeavoring to 
Christianize the savages, but are there not among people of our 
blood, country and habits, who, although their Christian light 
faintly gleams like daybreak, are greatly ignorant of the sub- 
lime truths of our holy Religion? Would it not be more useful 
to endeavor to lead them in the right path than the very uncer- 
tain prospect of bringing, but a few natives to Christianity? 
Their minds are fixed and their prejudice against white people 
for their fraud and treachery is insurmountable; at the present 
time, too, it is particularly dangerous. [The War of 1812 was 
then in progress, and the Western savages were generally in 
arms against the United States.] These few thoughts, dear 
Coz., I have flung together, hoping you will excuse their bold- 
ness and imperfections, and view only the heart and feelings 
with which they are delivered. * * * 

Write me a long letter soon, and tell me where I shall 
direct the answer. Tell me of every circumstance that has be- 
fallen you, what were your thoughts when climbing the steeps 
of the Green Mountains, and what have been your adventures 
on the banks of the Hudson. My dear father sends his best 
love to you, and tells you to continue in that path of virtue you 
have so sincerely begun. Dear mother sends her love to you, 
and requests you to remain as good a Churchman as you were 
at Cheshire; for she says, unless you "abide with the ship" you 
cannot be saved. 

It is apparent from the above that young Mr. 
Morse had suggested to his cousin, George, that he 
ascertain the feelings of the family as to him (Morse) 
joining the Moravians. It was evident that such action 
would not meet with their approval, and either this or 
other circumstances induced him to "abide with the 
ship," to which he was faithful unto death. 

Mr. Morse now determined to study for Holy Or- 
ders, and placed himself under the jurisdiction of Bishop 



52 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Hobart, by whom he was ordained deacon in Christ 
Church, at Duanesburgh, N. Y., near Schenectady, on 
September 10, 1818. It may be stated as a matter of in- 
terest that James Duane, member of the Continental 
Congress and first Mayor of New York City, having in- 
herited a large tract of land in what is now Schenectady 
County, N. Y., founded the town of Duanesburgh, and 
built the edifice in which Mr. Morse was ordained. 
George W. Featherstonaugh, Esq., of Schenectady, 
N. Y., a great grandson of James Duane, has kindly fur- 
nished the writer with a picture of the church herein pro- 
duced, with the following particulars: 



This church was built by James Duane at his own expense 
about 1790 and completed in 1793. It is a two-story building 
with a steeple. Underneath 'the church is the family vault, in 
which are the bodies of James Duane and his wife and several 
others of the family. This vault, was masoned up in 1852. The 
church contains one of the old-time pulpits with a sounding 
board above it. The church itself remains just as it was built, 
and I think likely it is the only Episcopal Church in the state 
which has not undergone some changes. On the walls are 
mural tablets to the memory of James Duane and his wife, 
William North and others. James Duane's pew remains just as 
it was. excepting that the curtains have been removed. The 
pew of General North [locator and namer of Fort Steuben] 
also remains as it was when occupied. I find in James Duane's 
journal in his handwriting, under Sunday, August 25, 1793: 
"Christ Church in Duanesburgh was consecrated by the bishop. 
Rev. Mr. Cutting read Prayers, Rev. Mr. Ellison preached the 
sermon on the occasion, which was much admired by a crowded 
assembly, who filled and surrounded the church. Everything 
was conducted with the utmost order and solemnity, and every- 
body was highly satisfied. * * * 

At that period (1818) my grandfather, after whom I am 
named, was the moving power in the church, was a friend of 
Bishop Hobart, and the Bishop when in Duanesburg was always 
entertained by him. A Mr. Bruce in 1817 was a deacon in the 
Church and a tutor residing at my grandfather's house. He 
was advanced to the priesthood in 1818, and at about this period 
Bishop Hobart writes to my grandfather that a Mr. Doane, who. 
I think, was the father of the late Bishop Doane, N. Y., would 
come to Duanesburgh and take the place of Mr. Bruce, a lay 
reader and as a tutor in my grandfather's house at $200 a year. 
I do not find, however, that Mr. Doane ever went to Duanes- 




CHRIST CHURCH, DUANESBURGH, N. Y., BUILT 179::. 



A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 53 



burgh, and am inclined to think that Mr. Morse must have come 
there instead, and been ordained as a deacon in 1818, was a lay 
reader in the_ Church, and acted as tutor in my grandfather's 
house. Of this I am not sure. I am sending you a photograph 
of the church. It is not very clear and too much obscured by 
the trees, but will give you an idea of the building. The church 
is well endowed, and has sufficient funds to keep it up and pay 
the salary of the minister without calling on the congregation. 
Hence its good state of preservation. 



As General North did not die until 1836, it is not 
improbable that Mr. Morse met him while at Duanes- 
burgh, and it is certainly an interesting coincidence that 
the founder of Fort Steuben and the first rector of St. 
Paul's should have both been so intimately associated 
with the little proprietary village in northeastern New 
York. 

Bishop Hobart's certificate reads as follows: 

I do hereby license the Rev. Intrepid Morse, this day ad- 
mitted by me to the Holy Order of Deacons, to preach the gos- 
pel in the Church of God. he conforming ito the canons of the 
Church and to the direction of the ecclesiastical authority. 
Dated at Duanesburgh the 10th day of September in the year 
of Our Lord, 1818, and in the 8th year of my consecration. 

JOHN HENRY HOBART, 
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New 

York. 

Two days later Bishop Hobart isssued another pa- 
per commending Mr. Morse to friends of the Church 
everywhere. This was no doubt in view of his contem- 
plated work in the western field, in fact, on the day of 
the ordination the bishop signed a certificate stating that 
"The Rev. Intrepid Morse, deacon in the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, has my permission to remove from 
this diocese to the State of Ohio, or to any other diocese 
of the Church/' 

It was natural that the newly ordained deacon 
should turn his face towards Ohio, if for no other reason 



54 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

than that his uncle, Philander, was already on the ground 
and bishop-elect of the new diocese. He started prompt- 
ly for the West, arriving in Ohio in October. Mr. Chase 
was soon obliged to go to Philadelphia for consecration, 
and during his absence Mr. Morse took up his uncle's 
work with marked success. The bishop in his conven- 
tion address bears this testimony to Mr. Morse's labors : 
"He had celebrated divine service fifty-two times; in 
Worthington twenty-four, in Columbus nine, in Dela- 
ware four, in Berkshire 6, Chillicothe two, Zanesville 
three, Somerset one, Lancaster one, Circleville two, be- 
sides attending four funerals, and all to the approbation 
of those who attended on his administrations. No one, 
who considers the distance between these places and the 
inclemency of the season in which the young deacon 
traveled to them, but must acknowledge his activity and 
commend his zeal." 

On March 13, 1819, Mr. Morse was authorized to 
solemnize marriages in Franklin County, and having 
served the office of deacon well, on June 3, he was ad- 
vanced to the priesthood at Worthington by Bishop 
Chase, it being the latter's first ordination service. 

The formal arrangement by which Rev. Intrepid 
Morse was to devote one-fourth of his time to St. Paul's 
was consummated at the residence of George Chapman 
in Steubenville on June 26, 1819. Half of his time was 
to be given to Zanesville, and the remainder to mission- 
ary work. Dr. Doddridge still retained charge of St. 
James's, Cross Creek. Mr. Morse took an active part in 
the convention of 1819, being elected member of the 
Standing Committee, and also deputy to the General 
Convention of 1820, with Ephraim Root, lay deputy. 
John Goodrich, Jr., was the delegate from St. James's, 
and John C. Wright, of Steubenville, was elected one of 
the trustees of the Episcopal fund still in futuro. 



A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 55 

At the annual parish election, April 3, 1820, George 
Chapman and Bezaleel Wells were chosen Wardens, and 
Nicholas Hutchins, Jacob C. Hoghland and Daniel L. 
Collier, Vestrymen. Delegates to Convention, Bezaleel 
Wells and John C. Wright. A week later an arrange- 
ment was made with Rev. Mr. Morse by which he was 
to give one-half his time to Steubenville on a subscrip- 
tion of $300 per annum. 

The diocesan convention met on June 7, with St. 
Paul's and St. James's parishes fully represented, Rev. 
Dr. Doddridge now having a seat as diocesan mission- 
ary. He reported regular work at St. Thomas's, St. 
Clairsville, and St. James's, Jefferson County, and occa- 
sionally at St. Peter's, Morristown, and Seneca in Mon- 
roe County. St. James's then had fifty communicants, a 
large number for this section. At this time he asked 
relief from some of his clerical labors, as age was fast 
approaching, and he was obliged to depend principally 
on his medical profession for the support of himself and 
family. 

Mr. Morse made quite a lengthy report, showing 
thirty-six communicants at Zanesville, and twenty at 
Steubenville. The fact of the two places being nearly 
one hundred miles apart prevented the ministrations of a 
clergyman alternately, except at considerable intervals, 
but these intervals were filled by a lay reader at Zanes- 
ville, and one was contemplated at Steubenville. Mr. 
Morse also occasionally officiated at Pittsburgh, St. 
John's, Brooke County, Va.; Wellsburg, Wheeling, 
Smithfield, Cadiz, St. Clairsville, Morristown, Barnes- 
villes, Seneca, Centre, Malaga, Somerset (Monroe 
County), Little Beaver, Cambridge, Coshocton, Gran- 
ville, Lancaster, Circleville and Portsmouth, generally 
catechizing the children on Sundays, although it would 
seem that most of his time must have been spent in the 



56 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

saddle. He baptized sixty children and three adults, and 
attended five funerals. He called special attention to the 
situation in Monroe County, where there were many 
Church people, but no one to look after them. One indi- 
vidual repeatedly traveled thirty miles to St. Clairsville 
in order to attend the Church services, and he found 
nearly a hundred families in that section deprived of all 
religious services. The fields were white, but the labor- 
ers were few, and, as a result, to-day there is not a single 
organized parish in Monroe County. 

On June 11, at Worthington, Philander Chase, Jr., 
was ordained deacon by his father, the bishop, Mr. 
Morse preaching the sermon from Luke X. 2. Philan- 
der, Jr., was born at Brattle, Vt, while his father 
was a missionary in Northern New York. He was a 
graduate of Harvard, and served as a lay reader under 
Bishop Griswold, of what was then known as the Eastern 
Diocese, composed of the present New England states, 
except Connecticut. 

By invitation of Commodore MacDonough, the vic- 
tor of Lake Champlain, who had been presented for con- 
firmation by the elder Chase at Hartford, and was now 
in command of the U. S. frigate Guerriere, Philander 
accepted a position on that vessel with the pay of chap- 
lain, which gave him the opportunity of visiting Europe 
and supplementing his studies by foreign travel. On 
his return he came to Ohio and was ordained as above 
stated. He was appointed a professor in the college at 
Worthington, and, although not robust in health, he did 
considerable missionary work. During the Bishop's ab- 
sence on his visitations, Deacon Chase maintained serv- 
ices at Worthington and neighboring points, and during 
the fall vacation of the college performed divine service 
twice at Steubenville during the absence of the rector, 



A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 57 

also at St. James's, St. John's, Virginia, and at Wells- 
burg. 

While the record is silent on this point, it is more 
than probable that on this, his first visit to Eastern Ohio, 
he met Miss Rebecca R., daughter of Bezaleel Wells, 
whose stately mansion in "The Grove," at the south end 
of the town, was not only the most conspicuous resi- 
dence along the river, but the liberal dispenser of hos- 
pitality. It was practically the rectory for several years, 
and every bishop of the Church in the diocese of Ohio 
found a welcome within its walls. In 1902 this fine old 
manor house was removed to make room for a manufac- 
turing establishment, and now only pictorial reproduc- 
tions serve to remind one of its former glories. 

During the two following years Mr. Chase's work 
was pursued along similar lines with the exception that 
in June, 1822, he took full charge of the Zanesville par- 
ish relieving Mr. Morse, where he continued until Janu- 
ary 27, 1823, when a violent hemorrhage of the lungs 
compelled him to give up active work until the latter 
part of April, although he was not altogether idle. On 
Sunday, June 8, Mr. Chase was ordained priest at Zanes- 
ville, which was now his home, although he spent con- 
siderable time at Steubenville. His health was grad- 
ually becoming worse, and in the hope of improvement 
he borrowed a hundred dollars from his cousin, Mr. 
Morse, and that fall went to Charleston, S. C. He left 
an infant daughter, thirteen days old, who was born at 
her grandfather's home in Steubenville on August 26, 
1823. and at this writing still lives, Miss Mary Chase, of 
Gambier. Hopes of improvement proved fallacious, and 
Mr. Chase died not long after reaching Charleston. His 
remains were interred on March 3, 1824, in St. Michael's 
churchyard, where they now repose. 



58 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

On August 24, 1820, Bishop Chase made his second 
Episcopal visitation to St. Paul's, which he records as 
follows: "On the morning of the 24th, Thursday, we 
rode to Steubenville, one of the stated parishes of the 
Rev. Mr. Morse. In the evening divine service was held, 
Mr. Morse read prayers, and myself delivered the ser- 
mon. Friday and Saturday, the 25th and 26th of Aug- 
ust, the same duties were performed, and one adult bap- 
tized. The congregations were large and devout. Sun- 
day, August 27, being uncommonly fine, a large congre- 
gation collected; prayers were read by Rev. Mr. Morse, 
and the sermon by myself. The Apostolic Rite of Con- 
firmation was administered to thirty-four, and the Holy 
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to forty-five. In the 
afternoon divine service and a sermon, the former by 
Mr. M., and the latter was delivered, though with much 
difficulty, by myself. At candle lighting, the duties were 
performed by the Rev. Mr. Morse, my own voice having, 
to a painful degree, failed me. Much is to be said in 
favor of this congregation of our Church in Steubenville. 
Considering the recent date of their first formation, few 
parishes have done so well. They support their clergy- 
man for nearly one-half his time, and lively expectations 
are entertained that they will soon build a church." 

Previous to this the Bishop, with Mr. Morse, had 
made a journey through Southeastern Ohio, confirming 
eleven at Zanesville, holding service at Woodsfield in 
Monroe County and other points, with a large congrega- 
tion at St. Clairsville, tour through Belmont County, 
twenty communicants at Finley's cabin, service at Smith- 
field, and eighteen confirmed at St. James's, Cross Creek 
on August 23. This is only a sample of the work car- 
ried on that summer, yet at the General Convention of 
that year the Committee on the State of the Church had 
only to report that, "From the remote region of Ohio lit- 



A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 59 

tie information has come, but several congregations are 
known to have been gathered, one at Dayton and one at 
Miami." 

At the annual election held on April 23, 1821, 
Bezaleel Wells and Joseph Beatty were elected Wardens, 
the former holding this position until his death on Aug- 
ust 14, 1846, and the latter until 1830. The Vestrymen 
were George Chapman, Brice Veirs and Daniel L. Col- 
lier, Messrs. Wells and Collier being chosen as delegates 
to the Diocesan Convention, which assembled on June 6. 
Charles Hammond was delegate from Cross Creek, and 
Mr. Morse was elected Secretary of the convention. 
These two parishes were represented on every important 
committee appointed during the sessions, and Messrs. 
Morse and Wells elected to the Standing Committee of 
the diocese; also, with Mr. Hammond, charter members 
of the Missionary Society, which authorized Rev. Phi- 
lander Chase, Jr., to proceed East to solicit funds, which 
he did, returning with $2,911.09, of which $423.25 came 
from Trinity parish, New York. By special act of the 
legislature the Trustees of the Bishop's fund (prospec- 
tive), of whom John C. Wright was one, were incor- 
porated. 

The only change made in St. Paul's Vestry the fol- 
lowing year was the election of Edward Wood in place 
of Mr. Collier, and this composition remained until 1827, 
Mr. Collier being appointed Recording Clerk, and Brice 
Veirs Convention Delegate. A new arrangement was 
made with Mr. Morse, by which he gave up the Zanes- 
ville parish, and devoted three-fourths of his time to 
Steubenville at a salary of $400 per year. Dr. Dod- 
dridge had resigned the Cross Creek church, and early 
in 1823 Mr. Morse took charge of it at $100 per year 
for one- fourth his time, with Jesse Maxon, lay reader; 
Messrs. Armstrong and Lewis, Wardens; John McCon- 



60 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

nell, James Dugan, Thomas Johnston, James David and 
James Cunningham, Vestrymen. Dr. Doddridge died 
at Wellsburg on November 9, 1826, and his widow on 
September 25, 1829. Mr. Chase succeeded Mr. Morse 
at Zanesville, from which death was soon to relieve him. 
Abner P. Pinney represented St. James's Church in the 
convention this year (1822), and Messrs. Morse and 
Wells were re-elected members of the Standing Commit- 
tee. Mr. Morse reported thirty families at St. Paul's, 
Steubenville, with fifty communicants. On August 10 
the Bishop came to Steubenville, and preached that even- 
ing. The next day, Sunday, the Holy Communion was 
celebrated, and fourteen persons confirmed. A similar 
service was held on Monday at St. James's, Cross Creek, 
with four confirmations ; on Tuesday Holy Communion 
at Finley's, and one confirmed. The remainder of the 
week was spent at St. Clairsville, where, on Sunday, a 
brick church 50x40 feet was consecrated, the second west 
of the mountains. Holy Communion was celebrated and 
ten confirmed. Morristown and Monroe County were 
also visited. 

During this year the congregation at Steubenville, 
which had been worshipping in the city council cham- 
ber during the five or six years previous, decided to seek 
more commodious and comfortable quarters. In 1818 
Bezaleel Wells had erected a two-story brick building on 
the west side of High street, a short distance above 
South, for educational purposes, known as the Steuben- 
ville Academy, the first institution in the city looking to- 
wards higher education. It was afterwards popularly 
known as the "Old Academy" to distinguish it from the 
one subsequently conducted by Dr. John Scott on North 
Seventh street. At this time the school was conducted 
by a corporation, of which Mr. Collier was President, 
and the uppor floor seems to have been a single apart- 



A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 61 

ment. This was leased by the St. Paul's congregation, 
and the second floor fitted up as a place of worship. The 
building, 50x30 feet, was provided with permanent 
pews, and made as churchly in appearance as possible. 
At this time and for many years after there was but one 
wide entrance hall with two square capped windows on 
each side. The building has since been converted into a 
double dwelling with two entrances, curved window caps 
and front veranda, as shown in the accompanying illus- 
tration. The portion of the rectory seen on the right is 
the same as during Mr. Morse's occupancy. 

It was not long before Bishop Chase and his little 
band of helpers began to realize that there was no pros- 
pect of securing any appreciable number of missionaries 
from the East. In the first place, competent priests were 
none too plentiful even on the Atlantic coast, where the 
American Church could hardly be said to have become 
firmly planted. We have already seen that at one time 
the difficulty of getting the canonical number of bishops 
together for a consecration was such that it was feared 
a second appeal to England would be necessary to pre- 
serve the succession. In addition the Ohio country was 
still regarded as a wilderness. Travel was difficult, and 
the journey thither was a task equal to an Alaskan trip 
to-day, plus many additional discomforts, with all the 
drawbacks of pioneer life when the goal was reached. 
During the thirty years which had elapsed since Dr. Dod- 
dridge first came to this section the population of the 
state had increased from a handfull to 600,000, among 
whom were many Churchmen, widely scattered, singly 
and in little flocks, sheep without a shepherd, cherishing 
their religious traditions, but whose children were grow- 
ing up in ignorance of the Church and her services. 
Owing to the looser and more flexible character of their 
organizations, the sects were drawing what little life 



62 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

blood was left in the Church. Only one course could 
check this disintegration. If clergy could not be obtained 
from the East, they must be chosen from the local popu- 
lation and educated for their work. This meant a theo- 
logical seminary and a college, but that would require a 
large sum of money, and where were the funds to be 
found ? Bishop Chase was a natural teacher, and, receiv- 
ing no salary attached to his episcopal office, he had ac- 
cepted the presidency of a Cincinnatil college to add to 
the scanty income received as rector of St. John's Church, 
Worthington; meantime, in addition to his other duties, 
cultivating his farm a mile and a half south of Worthing- 
ton. Philander, Jr., in addition to his charge at Zanes- 
ville, was also principal of Worthington Academy. Rev. 
John Armstrong, of Wheeling, and Dr. Doddridge con- 
tinued to render some missionary service, but the only 
other clergymen in the state were Mr. Morse at Steuben- 
ville, Mr. Johnston at Cincinnati, Mr. Searle (in poor 
health) in the north, and Messrs. E. B. Kellogg (after- 
wards married to Miss Anne Wells), and Spencer Wall, 
deacons. 

To make application east of the mountains for any 
considerable amount of money would be a fruitless task. 
The Church there was endeavoring to establish the Gen- 
eral Theological Seminary at New York, and any at- 
tempt to divert funds to a remote and possible rival in- 
stitution in the western wilderness was certain to meet 
with coldness if not active opposition. But Providence 
frequently sends a ray of light even in the darkest hour. 
Bishop Chase, in his reminiscences, relates that on the 
evening preceding the opening of the Diocesan Conven- 
tion at Worthington in June, 1822, sometime after dark, 
he was walking the pavement in front of the village inn, 
anxiously expecting the arrival, on horseback, of his son, 
Philander, from Steubenville, 150 miles distant. The 



A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 63 

young man finally arrived, but was so ill that an anodyne 
was administered to relieve his pains, and he was assisted 
to a couch in the hotel. After he had rested somewhat, 
the following conversation ensued: 

Son — I am thankful, my dear father, that there are some in 
this world who sympathize with us in our sufferings. 

Father — Who are they, my son? 
Son — Mr. Morse, our dear relative, has told me that in read- 
ing the Philadelphia Recorder he had seen an extract from the 
British Critic, a periodical published in London, the purport of 
which is exceedingly friendly to Ohio. It takes a review of 
our journals and of your addresses in terms of approbation 
unusually warm, and commends us to the attention of the pub- 
lic and the grace of God. 

Father — Can this be true? 

Son — Mr. Morse s'ays it is a fact; so that however we are 
neglected and scarcely mentioned in America, our own country, 
yet there are those abroad who care for us and who pray for us. 

Father — And why not help us too? 

Son — In what respect? 

Father — In founding a seminary of learning for educating 
ministers. 

Son — How can such a measure be brought to pass? 

Father — By applying to them for aid. 

Son — And will you do this? 

Father — I will do this, and you shall make the application. 

Son — I the person! I am now with one foot in the grave; 
how can I go to England? 

Father — The sea voyage may do you good. It cured your 
mother, and may be of essential service to you. 



At the close of the convention an informal consul- 
tation was held with the members, at which the plan of 
trying to raise funds in England was approved, although 
the feeling was not optimistic as to the result. Mr. Chase 
was ordained priest on June 8, at Chillicothe, but he was 
so weak that he had to be supported through the service. 
His inability to make a journey to England was so ap- 
parent that the Bishop prepared to go himself. A bach- 
elor uncle had left him a small legacy, and from this he 
realized sufficient to at least take him to England, and he 
went to Cincinnati to close up his affairs there. From 



64 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

this point he wrote the following letter to Mr. Morse at 
Steubenville, now published for the first time: 



Cincinnati, July 23, 1823. 

Dear Nephew: — Be not amazed if I tell you strange things. 
With me believe that God has ordered and will order all things 
for His glory, whether it be by life or by death. This day I 
have made up my determination to go to England myself. I 
relinquish or suspend, to be decided on Monday next, I think, 
the office of President of Cincinnati College, and as soon as the 
arrangements can be made I set off for New York. We shall 
go in our wagon, Mrs. Chase, Dudley, Henry and Mary. 
Salmon will probably remain under care of Mr. Jones, of Ham- 
ilton, and work with him and say his prayers till my return. 
Mrs. Russell and Sarah had their choice either to go with us 
and visit friends in Vermont, or to go on a visit to her brother 
in Indiana; she chose the latter. Mr. Sparrow and Edward will 
stay with some friends till the winter, when they will visit their 
sister below Natchez. On Monday next at 6 P. M. there is to 
be a meeting of the trustees of the college and many other gen- 
tlemen citizens. Before the meeting will be laid my reasons 
for leaving them, which, under their present circumstances, no 
doubt will prove satisfactory. At least it is so said by all who 
have been informed. Their taking leave of me, it is hoped, will 
not do me discredit abroad. 

Now, say you, when will the Bishop be in Zanesville or 
Steubenville? I think of going from Steubenville to Canfield 
and Ashtabula, of ordaining the Rev. Mr. Hall. In this case you 
must go to present the candidate. You may venture to write 
to Mr. Hall and tell him that on the first or second of Septem- 
ber, God willing, I propose to start from the town of Steuben- 
ville with my face towards Canfield and Boardman, etc. What 
exact time it will take me thence to travel to Ashtabula with 
my family and perhaps to preach in Windsor let you and him 
judge. Perhaps you had better make the appointments as far 
as Boardman and leave all the rest to him, minding to make no 
unnecessary delay, nor to hurry on the lambs too fast. 

You see I have left space to be with you and Philander. 
God grant that this time, precious indeed, may be well spent. 
Ten thousand things must be said, and almost as many done. 

A general circular to the diocese, explanatory of this extra- 
ordinary proceeding, and requesting their prayers on the good 
work. A note addressed to all the Episcopalians west of the 
mountains requesting societies to be formed in every place to 
encourage and maintain young men desirous of becoming min- 
isters. 

I have just recovered from a violent turn of the fever, and 
Mary is little better of the summer complaint, of which she had 
nearly died. 

P. CHASE. 




FEATHERSTONAUGH MANSION, DUANESBURGH, N. Y., BIULT 1812. 




ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, BROOKE COUNTY, BUILT 1849. 



A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 65 

On August 4 the Bishop and family left their farm 
near Worthington for Steubenville, where he met his 
son and nephew as arranged. They remained here until 
the 24th, when eight persons were confirmed, with sev- 
enteen at St. James's on the 18th, after which they 
started northward with Mr. Morse. 

Mr. Hall was ordained at Ashtabula on the 31st, 
and the Bishop desired the signatures of Messrs. Searle 
and Hall to his paper of commendation to the English 
Churchmen. But Mr. Searle, who had had some diffi- 
culties with his Medina charge, refused to sign, as did 
also Mr. Hall. Although unanimity in this matter was 
considered essential, yet the Bishop decided to go on with- 
out the signatures of these gentlemen, but had barely 
started when a messenger from Medina arrived, request- 
ing that he remain and adjust the trouble. He did so, 
and in the meantime the two priests signed the paper. 
Visits were made to friends in the East, who discour- 
aged the project, but nothing daunted, the Bishop pre- 
pared to sail on October 1 for England. Philander, Jr., 
who had remained in Steubenville, left here on Septem- 
ber 1 to bid his father farewell, after which he sailed for 
Charleston, from which place he never returned. 

That Bishop Hobart and others should object to 
Bishop Chase's plans for founding a theological seminary 
in Ohio was not unnatural, they no doubt believing that 
it would draw funds and patronage from the general 
seminary, both of which were badly needed. This, how- 
ever, does not excuse the unchristian efforts to disparage 
the bishop's mission, which brought forth a series of in- 
dignant protests, among which was the following, ad- 
opted by the Wardens and Vestry of St. Paul's on March 
6, 1824: 



66 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

RESOLVED, That the declaration and protest of the 
Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, Cincinnati, against the 
proceedings of Bishop Hobart and the Trustees of the General 
Theological Seminary in relation to the mission of Bishop 
Chase to England for the relief of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church in Ohio, be and the same hereby is adopted as also the 
sense and opinion of the Wardens and Vestry of St. Paul's 
Church. Steubenville. 

Cross Creek adopted a similar protest. 

Notwithstanding the opposition above related, 
Bishop Chase's mission was measureably successful. 
Great interest was manifested, and he received subscrip- 
tions of $20,000 in money, besides books, communion 
plate and other objects necessary for his work. He 
sailed for home on July 17, 1824, landing at New York 
on August 29. 

Having made a beginning, the next important ques- 
tion was the location of the proposed institution. Mud 
roads, and pretty bad ones at that, made it desirable to 
seek such location as near the geographical centre of the 
state as possible, and the Bishop had previously agreed 
with his English friends to donate his farm of 150 acres 
near Worthington, with its improvements and library, to 
the seminary, reserving the right to himself and wife to 
reside there during life, unless a more desirable site 
should be offered, of which Hon. Henry Clay, of Ken- 
tucky, should be the judge. But the Bishop should make 
his home at the school wherever it should be located. 
The convention met at Chillicothe on November 3, and 
the matter being laid before that body, committees were 
appointed whose membership included Mr. Morse, 
Charles Hammond and Bezaleel Wells, which reported a 
constitution for said seminary, which was adopted, and 
on motion of Mr. Hammond the question of site was 
left open for further proposals. After the convention 
adjourned, Mrs, Betsy Reed, of Putnam, Ohio, donated 



A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 67 

1,000 acres of land on Alum Creek, about twelve miles 
north of Columbus, to be used as might be directed. At 
the next convention, held at Zanesville, Hon. John C. 
Wright was added to the committee, and the recom- 
mendation made that the matter be held open ten months 
longer, and that in the meantime the college be opened 
temporarily at the Bishop's home, which was done. 

This delay was caused by the information that a 
tract of 8,000 acres in Knox County, suitable in every 
way for the proposed institution, could be obtained on 
terms that would not only make its purchase desiraMe 
from a financial standpoint, but enable the college author- 
ities to control such an extent of territory as to prevent 
undesirable settlements adjacent to the buildings. The 
property belonged to William Hogg, of Brownsville, Pa., 
and the price asked was $24,000. In order to ascertain 
if more favorable figures could be obtained, Bishop Chase 
came to Steubenville on September 20, where he ar- 
ranged with Mr. Morse to perform his work while he 
and Mr. Wells went to Brownsville to confer with Mr. 
Hogg. The trip consumed four days, but the result was 
most satisfactory. In view of the object proposed, Mr. 
Hogg agreed to deduct $6,000 from the price, thus sell- 
ing the land at $2.25 per acre. At the next convention, 
held at Columbus, June 7, 1826, a committee was ap- 
pointed with Mr. Wells as chairman, which reported 
favorably, and the purchase which had been made condi- 
tionally, was formally ratified. By this time there were 
thirty students at the temporary college at Chaseland, as 
the Bishop's farm was called, and the faculty had been 
given authority to confer degrees. Hon. Henry Clay 
and Mr. Wells were appointed a committee to have the 
English fund transferred, and the proceeds of Mrs. 
Reed's donation were ordered to be equally divided be- 
tween the seminary and St. James's Church, Zanesville. 



68 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Bishop Chase was not the man to let the grass grow 
under his feet, but as soon as possible repaired to the 
new college site and the work of clearing was begun. 
Matters had so far progressed that by the first week of 
the following June the cornerstone of Kenyon College, 
on Gambier hill, was laid, Mr. Morse preaching the ser- 
mon. The following year (1828), the massive building, 
110 feet in length, with the lower walls four feet thick, 
was opened for students, and the school, with sixty-five 
attendants, was moved there from Chaseland. One of 
the incidents illustrative of the times was a threatened 
strike of the workmen while building was in progress, 
because the Bishop declined to furnish them with whisky. 
The college and seminary both occupied the same build- 
ing until the erection of Bexley Hall in 1839, followed 
by Rosse Chapel, Ascension Hall and other buildings, 
until the institution has a magnificent equipment in this 
respect, and is second to no college in the land as to the 
character of its graduates. 

It would be foreign to the purpose of this work to 
follow the history of the Gambier institutions in detail, 
which will no doubt be given in the forthcoming diocesan 
history. 

That the enterprise had begun to fill a pressing de- 
mand was evidenced by the fact that in 1830 there were 
170 students at the institution, and Gambier hill pre- 
sented one of the liveliest scenes of activity in the rap- 
idly growing state. But trouble was brewing, the exact 
germ of which is now difficult to determine, notwith- 
standing the rather voluminous literature on this subject. 
Bishop Chase had a full conception of his prerogative 
and official position in the Church of God. In addition 
he had sacrificed his life and private means to build up 
this institution, and naturally assumed the oversight as 
to details, which by his position he considered himself 



A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 69 

entitled. On the other hand, among the professors, stu- 
dents and outsiders generally low ideas of the Church 
prevailed, and the constant presence of the Bishop in such 
close proximity became a source of irritation. Insubor- 
dination was encouraged among the students, and mat- 
ters soon reached a stage which threatened to wreck the 
institution. Charges were made against the Bishop, prin- 
cipally relating to alleged tyrannous conduct, but an in- 
vestigation by trustees of the college, of which Mr. Wells 
was a member, completely vindicated him. This should 
have settled the matter, but the troubles still continuing 
when the convention met at Gambier on September 9, 
1831, Mr. Chase, in the interest of peace, sent in his 
resignation as Bishop of the diocese, which included the 
presidency of the seminary and college. Possibly he 
thought that in view of his past services the convention 
would refuse to accept his resignation, but if so he was 
disappointed. The opposition was thoroughly organized, 
and affirmative action was promptly taken. A motion 
requesting the withdrawal of the paper received one soli- 
tary vote among the clergy, Rev. Mr. Morse, to 11 
noes. The laity were more evenly divided, standing 17 
ayes to 22 noes. An amendment by Mr. Wells met with 
the same fate. 

Bishop Chase prepared to leave Gambier at once 
with his family. Soon after coming into Ohio he had 
located a tract of 200 acres of wild land in the north- 
eastern part of the state in favor of a grandniece. The 
property had been sold for taxes, but subsequently re- 
deemed by the Bishop, and on it stood a log cabin in bad 
condition, but which was made habitable, and here the 
refugees rested that winter in what the Bishop termed 
the Valley of Peace, he holding occasional services for 
the benefit of the few inhabitants in that vicinity. New 



70 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Year's day, 1832, was spent with friends in Steubenville, 
whither he had gone after Christmas to bring his niece's 
daughter to his home. The journey was made by sleigh. 
He also came to Steubenville early in February to super- 
intend the printing of a series of letters vindicating him- 
self, which were published as a supplement to the West- 
ern Herald. 

On Easter Day, 1832, the Bishop celebrated the 
Holy Communion in an unconsecrated building five miles 
from his residence, and on arriving home found that 
Mr, Wells had arrived from Steubenville, en route to 
visit his son Hezekiah, who had settled on Prairie Ronde, 
over three hundred miles distant in Michigan territory. 
He desired the company of the Bishop on his journey, 
and after considerable discussion, the latter agreed to go. 
The two left on horseback the next day, and after a series 
of adventures (among which was a day's detention by a 
sheriff as suspicious characters), on Friday night they 
reached a log tavern called Adam's Mill, on a branch of 
St. Joseph River. Here the Bishop learned of a beauti- 
ful tract of land located on a small lake eight miles 
further west, which he concluded to examine, while Mr. 
Wells pursued his journey. Next day being Sunday, the 
Bishop held service and preached, it being the first pub- 
lic use of the Prayer Book in the St. Joseph country. 
On Monday the land was examined, and the Bishop was 
so pleased that he decided to make it his future home, 
naming it Gilead. The place was purchased from the 
Government at $1.25 per acre, and after some prelimi- 
nary work, he went back after his two sons, who arrived 
there on July 4, the other members of the family coming 
some weeks later. It was pioneer life, but pleasant, and 
the Bishop expected to end his days cultivating his farm 
and holding services where needed in the surrounding 
country. But the diocese of Illinois was now organized, 



A FATHER IN ISRAEL. 71 

and in 1835 came the word that he had been elected its 
bishop. It was early Ohio over again. The clergy num- 
bered four priests and two deacons, and there was but 
one completed house of worship in the state. He did 
not shirk the responsibility, however, and after attending 
the General Convention, decided to go to England again, 
and make an appeal on behalf of his new charges. Here 
he met a number of young men who were prominent in 
the "Oxford movement," which was beginning to shake 
the dry bones in the Church. During his sojourn he 
received a letter from his wife announcing the destruc- 
tion of his Michigan home by fire, with loss of most of 
its contents. This, however, stimulated his friends to 
renewed exertions, and when he arrived home the fol- 
lowing June he brought with him substantial aid for his 
new diocese. Removal to the Illinois country began at 
once, and in the fall of 1836 a tract of 720 acres was 
preempted near the town of Peoria and a house of logs 
built, which was called the "Robin's Nest," because it 
was built of mud and sticks, and was filled with little 
ones. He consecrated old St. James's Church, Chicago, 
and the next year purchased 2,500 acres of land adjoin- 
ing his previous tract, where he established Jubilee Col- 
lege. Were we writing a biography of Bishop Chase, 
which we are not, we could tell much of journeyings often 
and perils great, of growth amid discouragements, and 
glimpses of cheerful sunlight. In 1840 the partly con- 
structed college was filled to overflowing with students. 
A girls' school was projected, and during November 
Dudley Chase came with his bride, who had been Miss 
Sarah G. Wells, of Steubenville, afterwards mother of 
Miss Emma Chase, of Gambier, Ohio. 

Out of the many incidents of the bishop's pioneer 
life one may be mentioned as illustrative of his sturdy 
churchmanship in days when considerable laxity pre- 



12 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

vailed. In one parish where he visited the rector at cele- 
bration of the Holy Communion was in the habit of giv- 
ing a broadcast invitation to "members of sister churches 
to stay and partake with us." The Bishop requested him 
to abstain from using this general call, but the rector 
refused to comply, and repeated the invitation as usual. 
Whereupon the Bishop arose and in an emphatic tone 
read the rubric: "There shall none be admitted to the 
Holy Communion, until such time as he be confirmed, or 
ready and desirous of being confirmed." He understood 
the English lauguage, and meant that his hearers should 
do so. 

Bishop Chase entered into rest on Monday, Septem- 
ber 20, 1852, having almost completed his 77th year. 
He had been Presiding Bishop of the American Church 
for two years, and no man more fittingly deserved that 
honor. His work ranked with that of the Apostles, of 
which he was a most worthy successor. A memorial 
has been erected to his memory in Gambier church, a fit- 
ting if late recognition of the work which he gave his life 
practically without compensation, save the consciousness 
of having fulfilled to the best of his ability his duty to- 
wards his God and His Church. 



CHAPTER VI. 

PARISHES INCORPORATED. 

New St. James's Church Consecrated — Unprecedented Congre- 
gations and Confirmation Class — Early Pewholders at St. 
Paul's — One-fifth of Diocesan Communicants in Jefferson 
County — St. James's Largest Parish in the State — St. John's, 
East Springfield, Organized — Morse-Chase Wedding. 

During the earlier events related in the preceding 
chapter the little flocks at Steubenville and Cross Creek 
pursued the even tenor of their way with fifty-five com- 
municants in the former parish, and ninety-five in the 
latter, with Mr. Morse, their common pastor, perform- 
ing an incredible amount of parochial and missionary 
labors. Joseph Beatty was the convention delegate in 
1823 from St. Paul's, and Messrs. Wells and Chapman 
in 1824, with Mr. Dunlevy from St. James's. Edward 
Wood was appointed lay reader at St. Paul's in 1823, 
and Thomas Lewis collector, in 1824. Mr. Morse, while 
returning from convention, fractured his leg, which dis- 
abled him for five weeks, but fortunately not perma- 
nently. 

At the annual meeting held on April 4, 1825, it was 
resolved that the parish be incorporated, and D. L. Col- 
lier was requested to cause the requisite entries to be 
made in the County Clerk's office according to the fol- 
lowing certificate: 

State of Ohio. Jefferson County, ss: Court of Common Pleas. 

Be it remembered that on the twenty-third day of May in 
the year of Our Lord, 1825, the Wardens and Vestry of St. 
Paul's Church, Steubenville, filed with the Clerk of Said Court 
the following proceedings and certificate, to-wit: 

To the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County 
of Jefferson and State of Ohio: This certifies that whereas 



74 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

heretofore, to-wit, on the seventeenth day of May in the year 
of Our Lord. 1819, a religious society was formed in the town of 
Steubenville in said county, consisting of upwards of twenty 
persons denominated Episcopalians, and have thence hitherto 
continued to hold public worship and transact business in said 
town under the name of St. Paul's Church, Steubenville. And 
whereas the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States 
have by their usages and canons appointed Easter Monday for 
electing all church and parish officers in the several congrega- 
tions belonging to that religious denomination; Now therefore, 
be it known that at a meeting of members of said religious 
society, denominated St. Paul's Church, Steubenville, held at 
their usual place of worship in said town on Easter Monday, 
the fourth day of April, 1825, notice of said meeting having been 
first given at least ten days before the said Easter Monday by 
proclamation, when the said society was assembled for public 
worship, and by writing put up in some conspicuous place 
where the worship of said society is usually held, the following 
named persons were duly elected officers of said religious 
society for the year ensuing the said Easter Monday with the 
appellation affixed to each according to the rules, regulations, 
usages and canons of said Episcopal Church of the United 
States, that is to say: Bezaleel Wells, Joseph Beatty, Wardens; 
George Chapman, Brice Veirs, Edward Wood, Vestrymen, and 
the said Wells, Beatty, Chapman, Veirs and Wood having taken 
an oath faithfully to discharge their duties of our said offices, 
to give to the said religious society the name of St. Paul's 
Church, Steubenville, that being the name by which it has here- 
tofore been known, and we, the said Wardens and Vestrymen, 
do further certify that the said meeting and proceedings were 
held and had in the township of Steubenville in said county and 
state. All of which is certified and made known for the pur- 
pose of obtaining corporate powers pursuant to the acts of the 
General Assembly of the State of Ohio, entitled "An Act for 
the incorporation of Religious Societies," passed the fifth of 
February. 1819, and an act to amend the same, passed on the 
fifth of January, 1821. 

In testimony whereof, _ We, the said Wardens and Vestry- 
men, have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed our seals 
the ninth day of May in the year of Our Lord, 1825. [Signed 
and sealed by the parties above named.] 
State of Ohio, Jefferson County ss: 

On the ninth day of May, 1825, personally appeared before 
me, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county^ the above 
named [names recited], who duly qualified according to law 
incorporating religious societies. Given under my hand and 
seal the above date> 

J. G. HENNING. J. P. 

The proceedings for the incorporation of St. James's 



PARISHES INCORPORATED. 75 

Church, which were filed on May 23, 1825, were prac- 
tically the same, the certificate reciting that the parish 
was formally organized on December 1, 1816 (just six- 
teen years after the preliminary arrangement with Dr. 
Doddridge), that at the Easter Monday election held 
April 4, 1825, Edward Lewis and Gabriel Armstrong 
were elected Wardens, and William Cunningham, James 
Dugan and Daniel Dunlevy, Vestrymen, with Daniel 
Dunlevy, Robert Henderson and John McConnell, Trus- 
tess, all of whom were qualified, and on May 10 Messrs. 
Dunlevy, Henderson, Cunningham, Dugan and Arm- 
strong signed the certificate. Mr. Lewis qualified as 
Warden before Peregrine Dempster, J. P., on May 20, 
and the others before Joseph Dunn on May 12. 

The convention delegates this year were Messrs. 
Wright and Veirs from St. Paul's, and John McCul- 
lough and William Dunlevy from St. James's, all of 
whom, including Mr. Morse, took leading parts in the 
proceedings. Messrs. Morse and Wells were continued 
on the Standing Committee, and the latter elected deputy 
to the General Convention. On September 15 the Bishop 
arrived at Steubenville, where he preached on that and 
the three succeeding days, on the last date confirming 
thirty-two persons, and administering the Holy Com- 
munion to about sixty. The next day, 19th, accom- 
panied by Mr. Morse and Rev. John Armstrong, the 
Bishop consecrated the now completed St. James's 
Church. Hundreds were present in the grove surround- 
ing the church, and many were unable to obtain admit- 
tance. Fifty persons were confirmed and seventy-three 
received Communion. It will be noticed that episcopal 
visitations were not hurried in those early days. No. 
doubt Steubenville was especially favored in this respect 
on account of the family connections of the Bishop and 
the prominence of its citizens in the affairs of the infant 



76 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

diocese. The advantage was mutual, and as every mem- 
ber of the parish had the opportunity of becoming ac- 
quainted with the head of the diocese, the benefit was 
great. Belmont and Monroe counties were visited at 
this time. 

On April 1, 1826, the Vestry of St. Paul's assessed 
the annual pew rental as follows : 

No. 1. Bezaleel Wells $20 

No. 2. William R. Dickinson 15 

No. 3. John C. Wright . . 20 

No. 4. Nathaniel Dike . , 12 

No. 5. Brice and John Veirs . . 15 

No. 6. Jacob C. Hoghland and Dr. Dickson 12 

No. 7. Roswell Marsh and Mrs. Mason 12 

No. 8. Nicholas Hutchins . . 12 

No. 9. Joseph Beatty 15 

No. 10. George Chapman and J. Means 15 

No. 11. Thomas Maxwell and Mr. Durbin 12 

No. 12. Robert Thompson and Andrew Bustard.. 15 

No. 13. Joseph Brashear and Mrs. Hines 11 

No. 14. William Armstrong and Mrs. Henderson. . 8 

No. 15. James Henry and Thomas Foster 8 

No. 16. Benjamin Tappan 10 

No. 17. James Maley and Charles McDowell 10 

No. 18. John Ward and William Gwinn 10 

No. 19. Joseph Watkins and Mr. Fowler 5 

No. 20. Robert Campbell and James Watson 6 

No. 21. John Foster and Mrs. E. Johnston 6 

No. 22. Mrs. Egan and Dr. B. Mairs 6 

No. 23. Benjamin Doyle and Jacob Winters 6 

No. 24. Peter Wilson 10 

No. 25. John DehufY 10 

No. 26. D. L. Collier and Mrs. Jones 15 

No. 27. Thomas Lewis 7 

No. 28. Edward Wood 8 



PARISHES INCORPORATED. 77 

No. 29. Mrs. S. Barron. . 8 

No. 30. James L. Alger and John Finley 7 

John Hanlon — 

' Total $325 

The convention delegates for 1826 were Mr. Wells 
from St. Paul's, and James Dugan and Daniel Dunlevy 
from St. James's. Cross Creek Vestry this year, and 
until 1829, was composed of Alexander Cunningham, 
John Henderson, William Cunningham, James Dugan 
and Lewis Detur. 

Out of 768 communicants reported in the diocese in 
1826, St. James's is credited with 107, the largest of any 
parish on the list, leading the next highest, Christ Church, 
Cincinnati, by 36. St. Paul's had 54, thus at this time 
Jefferson County had over one-fifth of the whole, and if 
to these we add scattering returns from Columbiana, 
Belmont, Harrison and Monroe, the ratio is increased to 
about one-third. But being sheep without a shepherd, 
the natural increase from this source was lost to the 
Church in the next generation. One feature of Mr. 
Morse's work was the formation of parochial libraries, 
a custom which has unfortunately fallen into disuse. 

During this year Mr. Morse organized St. John's 
Church, East Springfield, with about twenty families, 
part of whom had been members of St. James's parish. 
In his report he says: "Full employment (for a mis- 
sionary) would be found within the bounds of Jefferson 
County alone, among the scattered members of our Com- 
munion, could one be procured ; but although the fields 
are already white unto the harvest, there is, alas, no one 
to put in the sickle. It is impossible to combine with 
advantage the duties of a parochial clergyman and mis- 
sionary." A lot of ground was donated, and a brick build- 
ing 45x30 feet erected, there being no other house of wor- 
ship in the village. The society was incorporated on 



78 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

April 5, 1826, the Wardens and Vestrymen being John 
McCullough, John Scott, Jacob Shull, William McKin- 
ley and Charles Hunter. In the absence of regular 
services, the majority of the congregation continued to 
attend St. James's Church, twelve miles distant, whose 
communicant list the following year reached 114, and 
St. Paul's 69, while the diocese as a whole remained 
about stationary. 

Another event was now at hand, not only interest- 
ing in itself, but destined to have an important influence 
on St. Paul's parish. Shortly after taking orders, Mr. 
Morse married the widow of a Moravian missionary, an 
Englishwoman and a very accomplished lady. During 
their honeymoon they stopped with Zanesville friends, 
where Mrs. Morse was attacked with sudden illness, end- 
ing in death. After his settlement in Steubenville, Mr. 
Morse was naturally thrown a great deal into the society 
of Miss Rebecca Wells, who, as related, became the wife 
of his cousin, Philander Chase Jr. After Mr. Chase's 
death, early in 1824, this friendship ripened into a 
stronger affection, resulting in their marriage on De- 
cember 6, 1826, with Rev. John Armstrong officiating 
minister. The ceremony took place on Sunday after 
Evensong in the temporary chapel in the Academy. The 
bride is said to have worn on that occasion a beautiful 
white leghorn hat, trimmed with an embroidered veil of 
white net, which was thrown back over the silken wed- 
ding gown. The veil was embroidered by Miss Sarah 
Wood, a respected member of the parish. The union 
thus formed lasted over a third of a century, and the 
fatherless daughter of Mr. Chase grew to womanhood 
under the loving protection of her mother's husband. 

The only change in the Vestry in 1827-8 was the 
election of J. C. Hoghland in place of George Chapman. 
Benjamin Doyle was appointed Collector. James Dugan 



PARISHES INCORPORATED. 79 

and Robert Maxwell were convention delegates from 
Cross Creek, and Mr. Wells from Steubenville, in 1827. 
Mr. Dugan attended from St. James's the next year, and 
the high water mark of 116 communicants was reported. 
In 1829 Edward Lewis took the place of J. C. Hoghland 
on St. Paul's Vestry, and in 1830 Brice Veirs succeeded 
Joseph Beatty as Junior Warden, which position he held 
until 1838. John H. Veirs succeeded B. Veirs as Vestry- 
man, continuing such until 1847, when he became Junior 
Warden until 1852, then Senior Warden until 1859. Mr. 
Morse was made a trustee of the theological seminary 
in 1828, and that year started a Sunday School with sixty 
pupils. William Brown was convention delegate in 1829 
from St. James's. Lewis Detur became Vestryman and 
remained until 1844. 

On July 21, 1827, Mr. Morse purchased from 
Thomas Hamilton lot No. 45 in the Original Plat of 
Steubenville, joining the Academy property on the north, 
for $150. On this Mr. Wells erected a substantial brick 
house, still standing, which was the rectory until Mr. 
Morse's death in 1865. The grounds were improved 
by trees, flowers, and vines, from the last named being 
gather the fruit which furnished the parish Communion 
wine for many years. In the meantime the Academy 
corporation, having become financially embarrassed, its 
house and lot were put up at sheriff's sale and purchased 
by Mr. Morse for $6^. The old Academy still stands, 
but having been altered into a dwelling, as stated, is 
scarcely recognizable. Lot No. 43 below this was bought 
by Mr. Morse from John M. Patterson on July 27, 1831. 
Some small tenement houses were erected on it, but they 
were razed a few years ago to make room for an en- 
largement of the city electric light plant, which also in- 
cludes the Academy. 



80 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Messrs. Wells and B. Veirs represented St. Paul's 
at the convention of 1830, and James J. Foster, St. 
James's. Mr. Morse's report was of continuous labor 
performed, supplemented by lay reading. About this 
time he formed a temperance society at St. James's, hav- 
ing previously participated in the organization of one at 
Steubenville, the first in the county. With a private dis- 
tillery on almost every farm, the outlook was very dis- 
couraging, but the leaven was a work until distilling, if 
not drunkenness, finally became an extinct industry in 
Jefferson County. He remained an ardent temperance 
advocate until the day of his death. The warning note 
was sounded, that if a missionary coud not be obtained, 
it would soon be too late. 

Probably because of absorption in his labors at Gam- 
bier, with the increasing duties connected with his grow- 
ing diocese, Bishop Chase was unable to hold another 
confirmation at St. James's until July 31, 1831, when 
nineteen were confirmed, and at Steubenville until Au- 
gust 7, when eleven were confirmed. John H. Veirs was 
the convention delegate this year, and Robert Maxwell 
from St. James's. 



CHAPTER VII. 

NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS. 

Activity of the Woman's Society — Purchase of Lot — Brick 
Edifice for St. Paul's — First Pew'holders — Consecration 
Services — First Pipe Organ in the Town — Mr. Morse in 
Charge of St. Paul's Alone — Mr. Gray at St. James's — A 
New Brick Church at Cross Creek — Educational Work — 
Diocesan Convention at Steubenville. 

The time was now approaching when it was evident 
to the St. Paul's congregation that more commodious 
quarters as well as a more central location were neces- 
sary for a permanent place of worship. The women of 
the parish under the direction of Mrs. Morse had already 
formed a society to raise money for this purpose, and the 
results were so encouraging that at meetings of the Ves- 
try held on January 21 and May 3, 1832, Messrs. Wells, 
Hoghland and Lewis were appointed a committee to 
secure subscriptions for a new church edifice. A paper 
was drawn up for signatures, which should be binding 
when the total should reach $3,000. This amount being 
obtained, Dr. J. Andrews, Nathaniel Dike, John H. 
Veirs, D. L. Collier and James Means were appointed a 
Building Committee. In the meantime the important 
matter of site had been settled. Robert Abraham, owner 
of lot No. 207, 60x180 feet, in the Original Plat of Steu- 
benville, on the northwest corner of Fourth and Adams 
streets, had become involved financially, and, by order of 
court, the lot was put up at public sale on March 24, 
1832, and purchased by the parish for $268, the deed be- 
ing made by Roswell Marsh, Commissioner in Chancery. 
James McKinney had previously purchased a tax title in 
this lot, which, on April 2, 1832, he sold to Mr. Dike for 



82 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

$25, and on August 3 the latter conveyed it to St. Paul's 
for the same amount. This with some other items 
brought up the total cost to $307.95. 

Plans for a church building were procured from Rev. 
John H. Hopkins, then rector of Trinity Church, Pitts- 
burgh, who, on October 31 following, was consecrated 
Bidiop of Vermont in company with Rev. C. P. Mcll- 
vaine, for Ohio, and B. B. Smith, for Kentucky. The 
standard of ecclesiastical architecture in America was not 
very high at that time, the existing buildings being mostly 
lemnants of the Georgian period, representing a deca- 
dence rather than progress. But Dr. Hopkins's church- 
manship, combined with good taste, secured quite a 
churchly edifice for St. Paul's, which was in advance of 
any similar edifice then in this section. The plans pro- 
vided a stone and brick structure of Early English or 
pointed architecture, 60x40 feet externally, with main 
entrance on Fourth street through a tower 12 feet square, 
with room above for organ loft and belfry. The top 
corners of the tower were ornamented by wooden horns, 
probably suggested by the altar horns in the Hebrew 
temple, from which the structure received the popular ap- 
pellation of the "horned church." A basement about nine 
feet high was provided, of which about half was below 
the ground surface, allowing light and ventilation. The 
ceiling was rounded and quite lofty, and the nave, which, 
architecturally, included the whole building, was lighted 
by ten long lancet windows, four on each side and two at 
east end. A small choir gallery projected inwards from 
the tower, which was afterwards extended over the cen- 
tre block of pews, and subsequently the entire width of 
the church. It will be seen from the accompanying dia- 
gram that the centre of the church was occupied by a 
solid block of pews with an aisle on each side, and short 
pews extending to the walls. The inside dimensions 



NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS. 83 

were 57 feet 9 inches by 38 feet, of which 11 feet 8 
inches were set off for chancel and pulpit. The latter 
was a large high structure standing about three feet from 
the west wall, reached by a stairway behind a screen, 
which afforded a receptacle for vestments, which in those 
days consisted of a surplice reaching to the feet, black 
silk stole, and black gown for preaching. The prayer 
desk was placed in front of the pulpit facing the people, 
and the altar or communion table in front of that, the 
whole popularly known as the "three decker." Outside 
buttresses were placed more for the sake of appearance 
than of necessity. 

Work progressed with sufficient rapidity to allow 
the laying of the corner stone of the new building on July 
9, 1832, which ceremony was conducted by Rev. Mr. 
Morse. The structure was about a year in reaching com- 
pletion, the first assignment of pews dating from Septem- 
ber 21, 1833, although they may have been in use shortly 
previous to that date. At first only 44 out of the 62 seats 
are recorded as having been taken at the following rates : 

No. Name. Price. No. Name. Price. 

1. Rector 18. Martin Andrews 6 

2. Nathaniel Dike $12 19. Mrs. F. Wilson 10 

3. James Means 15 20. Nicholas Hutchins . . . 10 

4. Benjamin Tappan ... 15 21. Mrs. S. Page 10 

5 Alexander Wells .... 15 22. Richard Hooker .... 10 

6. James Maley 15 23. Edward Wood 8 

7. Benjamin Mairs 10 24. John B. Doyle 8 

8. John H. Veirs 10 25. Clark & Wm. Speer. 7 

9. Samuel Stokely 12 26. J. Algeo 7 

10. John Andrews 12 27. Mr. Walker 6 

11. C. C. Wolcott 12 28. David Foster 6 

12. T. C. Hoghland 12 29. Thomas Taylor 6 

13 Roswell Marsh 12 30. Andrew Bustard .... 5 

14. Henry Holdship 12 31. Mr. James 4 

14. 'George Beatty 12 32. Mrs. Elliott 4 

16. E. Lewis 12 33. Mr. Blackburn 3 

17. Mathew Henderson 34. Fipley & Gamble.,,. 3 

and Winters 6 35. 



84 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

36. 42. Mr. Scott 8 

37. Edward Lewis 6 43, Mrs. May 8 

38. Isaac Jenkinson 5 u Alexander Dnv i e fi 

39. Wm. Armstrong .... 4 ** Alexander Uoyle ... b 

40. Mrs. Patience Doyle. 8 

41 McGuire Doyle 8 Total $360 

The two front pews on the sides seem to have 
added to the original plan, the one on the south being 
assigned to B. Wells. About the same time Messrs. 
Bartly and Hebron appear to have taken Nos. 45 and 47. 

The church now being ready for consecration, the 
new Bishop of Ohio, Rt. Rev. C. P. Mcllvaine, made his 
first visitation to Steubenville, arriving here on the even- 
ing of Friday, December 6. The next morning he ad- 
dressed the Vestry and assembled the candidates for con- 
firmation, twenty-two in number. In the service which 
followed the Bishop and rector were assisted by Mr. 
Armstrong. The next day, Sunday, the solemn service 
of consecration was held, followed by the Holy Com- 
munion, and an offering of $27.50 for missions. The 
Bishop in his convention address the following year, said : 
"The new church at Steubenville is one of much interest, 
not only on account of commodiousness and excellent 
appearance of the building and the kindness and growing 
Christian spirit of the those who worship there, but par- 
ticularly as it presents a striking evidence of how much 
the untiring, unpretending efforts of the female members 
of Christ's flock may accomplish for the building up of 
His Kingdom." 

The Bishop adds : "I next visited St. John's Church, 
East Springfield, yet unfinished, and preached twice. The 
day following visited St. James's, Cross Creek, preached 
twice in what I believe is the oldest Episcopal Church in 
the diocese, and confirmed seven persons. I also visited 



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PEW PLAN OF ST. PAUL'S, 183' 



NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS. 85 

St. Thomas's Church, St. Clairsville, and St. Peter's, 
Morristown." 

Mrs. Morse was an accomplished musician, and no 
doubt with her small melodeon, aided materially in ren- 
dering that portion of the Church service at the Academy. 
With the erection of the new church a small pipe organ 
was purchased, which, with its successor, was the only 
instrument of that kind in the town for many years. 

Immediately after the consecration the Building 
Committee submitted a report of its receipts and expendi- 
tures as follows : 

RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT OF LOT AND BUILDING. 

By the President Ladies' Sewing Society. . . $407.96 

By the Citizens of Pittsburgh 299.00 

By the Citizens of Steubenville 2,623.50 

$3,330.46 

Borrowed from F. & M. Bank of Steuben- 
ville, $400, deducting $8.47 interest 391.53 

Total receipts $3,721.99 

EXPENDITURES. 

For Lot $307.95 

Payment to H. Phillips, stone work 755.10 

" A. Shaw, brick work 929.10 

" William Thompson, carpenter... 1,267.75 

Mr. Drake, excavating, etc 62.49 

A. Doyle, plastering 143.75 

J. C. Hoghland, Trav. Ex 14.75 

William Hawkins, painting 15.00 

John Nixon, painting fence 10.00 

M. Roberts, spouting 31.10 

Sundries 9.27^ 



ii a 



86 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 



a 



on account of Organ 115.62^ 

on account of lamps 37.00 



Total on account of lot and house $3,698.79 

Balance on hand 23.20 

Paid on account of stoves to Mr. Means. . . . 18.00 



$5.20 
Balance due on good subscriptions 100.25 



$105.45 

Due to William Thompson $217.52 

" " A. Doyle 30.00 

" " M. Roberts 8.00 

" " Bank 400.00 



Total $655.52 

Deduct 105.45 



Net indebtedness $550.07 

Deducting payment on organ 115.62^2 



Due on lot and building $434.44^ 

RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT OE ORGAN. 

From Ladies' Society $100.00 

From Subscriptions 167.12^2 

From Church fund 115.62>4 



$382.75 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Purchase money $350.00 

Setting and tuning 30.00 

Freight and drayage 2.75 



$382.75 



NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS. 87 

ADDITIONAL RECEIPTS. 

From Ladies' Sewing Society, carpeting, pul- 
pit trimming, etc $70.00 

From Mrs. J. S. Dike, pulpit lamps 25.00 

From Bequest from Mary Lord, Bible, 

Prayer Book and Hymn Book 25.00 

From Mr. Holdship, Prayer Book 5.00 

From Mr. Lewis, chairs 8.00 

From Mr. Browning, charity boxes 4.00 

$137.00 

Total receipts from all sources $4,126.11% 

Total indebtedness 550.07 

Total cost of property $4,676.18% 

As an offset to the indebtedness there was a vacant 
tract on Adams street, 90x60 feet, and vacant room in 
basement, which might be rented for $30 per annum. 

A pewter Communion set was procured, consisting 
of large flagon, paten, two chalices and alms plates, 
Queen Anne style, which remained in service until the 
year 1864-5, when their place was taken by a silver set 
presented by E. F. Andrews and wife as a thank offering 
for recovery from illness. The original set is still in pos- 
session of the parish, together with the quaint alms boxes 
and chancel books. A portable font, the bowl hollowed 
from ,a marble block about eight inches high, was also 
among the furnishings, which disappeared a few years 
ago. The offerings, except at Communion, were re- 
ceived in a velvet bag attached to a pole the length of a 
pew, subsequently replaced by walnut boxes with short 
handles, and these were used until about 1872, when 
alms plates succeeded them. The mensa of the altar was 
a marble slab, resting on four mahogany supports. A 



88 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

portion of it now does service as a credence table in the 
present church. 

The last parish meeting in the Academy was held 
on April 21, 1833, at which time Dr. John Andrews and 
Nathaniel Dike were added to the Vestry, and Henry 
noldship the following year, who was succeeded in 1834 
by J. C. Hoghland, and Benjamin Browning in 1835. 
Dr. John Andrews was then treasurer. Comunicants 
numbered 65 in 1833, and 70 in 1834, Sunday School 
scholars 70 and 80. St. James's reported 94 and 55 com- 
municants, Sunday School, 30 and 35, the diminution be- 
ing due to the separation of St. John's, East Springfield. 
The usual plea was made for a missionary. B. M. Ath- 
erton represented St. James's at the convention of 1833. 
Neither parish was again represented until 1837, when 
John H. Veirs represented St. Paul's. On September 20, 
1835, sixteen were confirmed at St. Paul's and ten at St. 
James's on the next day. On May 21, 1837, two were 
confirmed at St. Paul's, and three at St. James's on the 
19th, in two years. Whether there was any connection 
between the infrequency of episcopal visitations and the 
shrinkage of confirmation classes is impossible to say, 
but it is apparent that the leadership in diocesan affairs 
had drifted into other sections. A gradual increase in 
communicants as well as Sunday School scholars is re- 
ported from St. Paul's, with the rural parishes about 
stationary. 

John Boyer was appointed sexton of St. Paul's on 
January 1, 1834, at a salary of $40 per year. On No- 
vember 30 of that year the Vestry authorized the plaster- 
ing of the west end of the basement, and that it be rented 
to Mr. Powell for school purposes at $30, it having al- 
ready been occupied by Mr. Dempster for that purpose 
since March 20 preceding, but objected to for want of 
plastering. Mrs. Sheldon was given the privilege of 



ST. JAMES'S CHURCH, CROSS CREEK, BUILT 1S64. 




ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, EAST SPRINGFIELD, BUILT LS33 



NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS. 89 

occupying the east half for a school, in common with the 
Sunday School. December 4 the organ gallery was or- 
dered to be projected forward five feet and extended 
laterally the width of the central body of pews to accom- 
modate additional singers. On December 3, 1834, an 
auxiliary educational and missionary society was formed 
with the rector as president; Dr. Andrews, treasurer and 
secretary; Messrs. Wells, Browning and Veirs, collect- 
ors. There is no subsequent report. 

During the early part of 1835 a single story brick 
house, 18x38 feet, for the sexton was erected on the west 
end of the parish lot, and on June 1 Mr. Branson was 
chosen, he agreeing to give his services for the use of the 
house. The cost was $374.84. This with other extra 
expenses brought the parish debt up to $633, which was 
extinguished during the following year. William Gold- 
rich succeeded Mr. Boyer as sexton, and occupied a room 
in the basement. B. Tappan and Mr. Allen also had an 
office there. 

On April 7, 1836, the Vestry pledged the parish to 
pay the rector $300 per annum for three-fourths of his 
time, and decided that his whole time should be secured 
as soon as possible. A resolution was adopted to con- 
sider the propriety of declaring all the pews in the church 
free and open, which was quite a forward step for that 
day. A subscription was started for this purpose, which 
met with fair success, but the movement was evidently 
in advance of the times, and was not completed. 

At the parish meeting of St. James's Church on April 
3, 1837, it was reported that subscriptions of about 
$1,500 had been obtained towards the erection of a new 
church, and it was resolved to build a brick structure 
33x55 feet. The Vestry and Building Committee having 
this work in charge were composed of John Henderson, 
John Elliott, James Cunningham, James Dugan, Lewis 



90 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Detur, William Cunningham, Daniel Dunlevy, George 
Henderson and George McCullough. Rev. Dr. Morse 
resigned the rectorship on October 10, and was succeeded 
by Rev. Richard Gray here and at St. John's. 

Mr. Morse was now able to devote his whole time 
to St. Paul's, in recognition of which his salary was in- 
creased to $400 per annum, not a very princely sum if 
paid regularly, as it was not. At this point it may be 
well to note that one of the strongest foes of intemper- 
ance at a time when there was practically no restraint, 
was Dr. Morse. In a book of notes by Robert A. Sher- 
rard, a leading pioneer and member of the Presbyterian 
Communion, we find the following : "It was during the 
time while Rev. Mr. Morse was pastor of St. James's 
Church that he formed the first temperance society in it 
that was to be found anywhere in Jefferson County ex- 
cept in Steubenville, which last mentioned society was 
the first in Steubenville or the county, and was gotten up 
under the vigilance of Rev. Dr. C. C. Beatty, Rev. Mr. 
Morse and others. I, R. A. Sherrard, signed the pledge 
of both societies the fall of 1830." 

Following the example and training of their prede- 
cessors beyonds the seas, educational matters have always 
occupied a leading place in the minds of American 
Churchmen. The Jamestown pioneers, having opened 
the first free school on this continent followed by its out- 
growth in the form of higher education, wherever any 
of their offshoots rooted the same policy was followed. 
We have already seen how the Worthington Churchmen 
as one of their first acts laid off a portion of their land 
for educational purposes, and how the inspiration which 
imparted life to the Kenyon College project came from 
Steubenville as well as an active part in its organization. 
So it was in direct line with the teaching of the Church 
that Mr. Wells should erect the first building in Steuben- 



NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS. 91 

ville devoted exclusively to school purposes. It was a 
one-story structure on the site of the present electric 
light plant, painted red, from which it took the name of 
"The Little Red Schoolhouse," a title which has passed 
into a proverb as indicating the first public school build- 
ing in Ohio. W. C. Howells, father of the novelist, who 
attended this school, has left us a description of it, with 
mention of his companions, the Wells children, and oth- 
ers, among them Edwin M. Stanton, a delicate, studious 
child. Another step was taken when Mr. Wells, in 1818, 
inaugurated the Academy project, whose building was 
to be the home of the infant congregation for eleven 
years. As previously indicated, one of the first uses of 
the new church basement was for school purposes, and 
by 1838 the town was pretty well supplied with private 
schools. The time had now come, however, when the 
matter of elementary education could no longer be left 
solely to private enterprise, and here again the members 
of the Church came to the front. Necessary legislation 
had already been provided, and the first Board of Edu- 
cation appointed, consisting of Dr. John Andrews, presi- 
dent, James Means and Dr. C. C. Beatty, who had been 
conducting a flourishing female seminary. A meeting 
was held at Dr. Andrews's office on October 1, when a 
resolution was adopted submitting to the people the ques- 
tion of a tax for the erection of two suitable school build- 
ings, one in the north, and the other in the south end of 
town. Details of these proceedings will be found in the 
author's history of Jefferson County. Suffice it to say 
that the buildings were erected and opened for use the 
following year. At the outset a difficulty was met, which 
required some tact and a broad-minded spirit to over- 
come, but Messrs. Andrews and Means were equal to the 
emergency, as the following extracts from a report pre- 



92 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

sented by them at a school meeting held in September, 
1840, will indicate: 

We presume it is not too much to say that whatsoever may 
be the present public opinion on this subject until recently free 
schools have proved, among us, to be almost useless so far as 
any permanent useful result is concerned. In investigating the 
cause of this important fact the circumstance which, among 
many others of minor importance, presents itself to our minds 
as the most operative, is the fact that every free school had 
carried with it the belief or apprehension that it was regarded 
as a "poor school," a circumstance which, in a free country like 
ours, where all stand upon a just equality, and where wealth 
gives to its possessors no precedence in public estimation, 
strikes at the root of any institution designed for the moral and 
intellectual improvement of the community. Our first object, 
therefore, and, as we deemed it our first duty, was to remove 
this unfounded and injurious view of the intention of free 
schools. We resolved, if the public would sustain us in the at- 
tempt, to make the free schools of Steubenville equal to any 
other schools of similar design in the place; to place them on 
such a footing of character, respectability and usefulness that 
anyone desirous of giving his children a common English edu- 
cation would be anxious to have them educated in these schools. 
* * * The branches taught in the various schools embrace the 
letters, spelling, reading, writing, grammar, arithmetic and 
geography. The Bible is used as a reading book, as well from 
its conviction of its value as perhaps the purest specimen of 
the Anglo-Saxon tongue, as also with a view to impress the 
minds of our youth with the only moral and religious principles 
which can make them useful citizens of an enlightened republic. 
No one can enter the rooms without being sensible of the order 
and quiet that are preserved, and that our free schools are no 
longer regarded as scenes of confusion, idleness and insubordi- 
nation. It is not to be supposed that the schools are the best 
the district can have, but that they are as good as can be ex- 
pected under the circumstances in which the district is placed, 
and that they may be regarded as the commencement of a new 
era in our free schools. 

With this as their magna charta the progress made 
by Steubenville public schools is not surprising. While 
the public schools at first were only intended to teach the 
elementary branches, yet it was natural that there should 
arise a demand that some, at least, of the higher forms 
should be added. On August 4, 1853, Hon. Thomas 
Means addressed a public meeting on Ohio schools, 



NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS. 93 

which was followed by a resolution recommending the 
erection of a new schoolhouse and the organization of a 
high school. The latter project was carried out, and the 
purchase of the "Grove Academy" on North Seventh 
street a few years later furnished for a while a home for 
the same, instead of rented rooms. It was very appro- 
priate that the new high school building was named 
Wells, built on the former home of John B. Doyle, a 
Churchman of the next generation. 

Early in 1839 steps were taken towards purchasing 
a bell for the church, and also to have the outside of the 
building painted. On August 12 it was reported that a 
bell weighing 837 pounds had been procured at a cost of 
about $500. This bell, of excellent tone on treble G, is 
still in use. Bishop Mcllvaine visited the parish on May 
12, and confirmed fourteen. The rector was absent in 
the East two months during the past year, while Rev. 
Mr. Horrell officiated. 

The diocesan convention met at Steubenville for the 
first time on September 12, 1839. The local representa- 
tion was naturally quite full, being Messrs. Wells, An- 
drews and J. H. Veirs from St. Paul's; Robert Hender- 
son, Alexander Elliott and John Cunningham from St. 
James's, and George Hammond and James Patten from 
St John's. St. Paul's reported 100 communicants, 21 
baptisms, and 22 funerals during the year; 100 Sunday 
School scholars and 16 teachers. St. James's had 71 
communicants with 6 baptisms, 1 marriage and 3 funer- 
als; St- John's, 36 communicants, 9 baptisms, 1 marriage, 
and 4 funerals; the new church edifice enclosed. The 
wood from old St. James's was used in building a rectory 
on an adjoining tract. John Elliott was Junior Warden, 
1837-9, afterwards a Vestryman. 

St. Stephen's Church, East Liverpool, a neat frame 
building, was reported consecrated the previous year 



94 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

with four persons confirmed. It was supplied every third 
Sunday by Rev. Mr. Laird, who also officiated at Wells- 
ville. 

Messrs. Wells and John Veirs represented St. Paul's 
in the convention of 1840, which was chiefly noticeable 
for the Bishop's address against the so-called Oxford 
movement, which had begun to have some effect in 
America, although it could hardly be said that it was 
observable in Ohio. Mr. Wells and Dr. Andrews were 
elected trustees of the theological seminary, and Rev. 
Dr. Morse chosen deputy to the General Convention. 
Mr. Gray reported the new church at Cross Creek ready 
for consecration, in which services had been held since 
the beginning of the year. Communicants reported 
were: St. Paul's, 110, with Sunday School of 100 schol- 
ars and 15 teachers; St. James's, 77; St. John's, 37. 
Services were also held during the year at Amsterdam, 
Carrollton and St. Clairsville. 

John H. Veirs and John Bayless represented St. 
Paul's and St. James's in the convention of 1841, where 
the Bishop delivered another broadside against the Ox- 
ford movement, predicting the direst results should it 
ever obtain a serious footing in the American Church. 
Mr. Gray reported having built a comfortable residence 
at St James's, where he hoped to spend the remainder 
of his days as a father surrounded by his children. He 
also officiated at various adjacent missions. Mr. Bayless 
was elected General Convention Deputy, and St. Paul's 
reported 108 communicants. 

In 1842 Mr. Lewis declined re-election as Junior 
Warden, and Edward Wood was chosen in his place. 
Alexander H. Andrews was added to the Vestry, suc- 
ceeding Dr. J. Andrews as treasurer the following De- 
cember; B. M. Browning, collector. On Saturday even- 
ing, March 26, after an interval of nearly three years. 



NEW CHURCH BUILDINGS. 95 

Bishop Mcllvaine visited St. Paul's and confirmed a class 
of sixteen. The following Monday he confirmed six at 
East Springfield, the next day fourteen at St. James's, 
after an interval of five years. Here he consecrated the 
new brick edifice erected the previous year. 

James Means, Sr., was added to the Vestry in 1843, 
and Messrs. Veirs and Wells attended the convention. 
Bexley Hall at Gambier was completed that winter. St. 
James's churchyard was enclosed by a board fence. Al- 
though suffering from removals, the parish reported 85 
communicants, and St. Paul's, 102. The latter church 
was repainted through the efforts of the women. On 
October 23 the Vestry resolved to raise $400 by sub- 
scription to pay off indebtedness of various kinds which 
had accumulated. 

In 1844 Andrew Bustard succeeded Alexander 
Andrews, deceased, and Nathaniel Dike as Vestryman, 
and Messrs. Wells and John Andrews attended conven- 
tion with John McCullough and George Hammond from 
St. James's. John White was made Vestryman at the 
latter. Fourteen were confirmed at St. Paul's on March 
24, there now being 115 communicants, 100 Sunday 
School scholars and 12 teachers. The $400 debt above 
mentioned was cleared off. Mr. Gray reported St. Al- 
ban's mission at Deersville, Harrison County, and 78 
communicants at St. James's. Nine were confirmed on 
November 10 at St. James's, and two at St. John's. 

David Foster succeeded Mr. Browning as Vestry- 
man in 1845, and Mr. Bayless represented St. James's at 
the convention. St. Alban's reported promising work. 
Communicants were about the same, but St. Paul's Sun- 
day School, for some unexplained cause, showed a drop 
to 60 scholars and 10 teachers. 

On April 22, 1846, the Bishop visited St. Paul's, 
confirming five persons, also one at St. John's, East 



96 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Springfield; four at St. James's, on the 24th, and eleven 
at St. Alban's, Deersville. Charles Moorehead and An- 
drew Underwood were made Vestryman at St. James's. 
On August 14 Mr. Wells, who had been Senior Warden 
of St. Paul's since 1820, entered into Paradise. The 
convention met on August 6 at Delaware with no dele- 
gates present from this section. St. Paul's reported 116 
communicants, with 65 Sunday School scholars; St. 
James's, 71; St. John's, 29, with 40 scholars; St. 
Thomas's, St. Clairsville, 23; St. Alban's, 16. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE OXFORD MOVEMENT. 

Opposition of Bishop Mcllvaine — Enlargement of Church 
Fabric — New Organ Installed — Changes in Choir — Parish 
Burial Grounds — Infrequent Confirmations — Assistant 
Bishop Chosen — Chancel and Other Improvements — Assist- 
ant Rectors — First Ordination in St. Paul's — lEarly Christ- 
mas Festivities and Decorations. 

It would be foreign to the purpose of this work to 
discuss at length what is commonly known as the Ox- 
ford or Tractarian movement, yet the great hostility ex- 
hibited against every phase of it by Bishop Mcllvaine, 
and his eagerness to extend his episcopal authority to 
its utmost limit (and beyond) for the suppression of 
every symptom of inclination towards that heresy (?) 
make a reference to it unavoidable. Even a cursory 
reading of history shows that the Church of England 
during the latter part of what is known as the Georgian 
period, including the reign of William IV., had reached 
the lowest point spiritually in its history, not excepting 
the Cromwell rebellion. The chief offices were regarded 
as perquisites of the ruling political party, the minor 
ones a refuge for friends of patrons, while the people at 
large were indifferent, and, if not relapsing into infidelity, 
were at least becoming neglectful of all the offices of re- 
ligion. Here and there a saintly priest or thoroughly 
consecrated bishop preserved the salt which was to> re- 
vivify the Church, but it is undeniable that, taken as a 
whole, the Proudies, the Slopes, and often worse, were in 
the ascendency. The Wesleyan movement of the eigh- 
teenth century having failed to affect the corporate life 
of the Church, had developed into an emotional religion, 



98 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

and now was separated from her communion. One out- 
ward and visible sign of this spiritual deadness was the 
slovenly conducted services, decaying churches and 
meagre congregations, which vied with the priest in 
carelessness and irreverence. In some respect the situa- 
tion in America was better. The Church here was free 
fromi party politics and party patronage, and its emolu- 
ments were not sufficient to attract parasites, whose mo- 
tive was only to secure a comfortable living. The moral 
standard of the clergy as a whole was high, and although 
in 1840 there was only one communicant to every three 
hundred population, yet some advance had been made. 
But the American Church was a feeble body, among 
other religious organizations numerically stronger, and 
its own members were too often inclined to apologize for 
being "like the Catholics," rather than staunchly assert 
the claims of their branch of the One Catholic and Apos- 
tolic Church in the United States. As an illustration of 
the feeling of those times, Bishop Meade, of Virginia, in 
his entertaining history of the old churches and families 
in that state, gives devout thanks that Tractarianism never 
obtained a lodgment within his jurisdiction. Deserted 
and tumbling churches, vice and immorality were ram- 
pant, but the dreadful baccilli from Oxford University 
halls were non-existent so far as the sacred soil of the 
Old Dominion was concerned. To meet the statements 
and arguments of the Tractarians was confessedly diffi- 
cult, but there were two remedies which were promptly 
brought into requisition. The time had passed when 
those of opposite views could be burned at the stake by 
the party in power, but other forms of persecution were 
at hand. The offenders could be deprived of their liv- 
ings, or, if they could not be ousted, the bishops could 
refuse to visit their churches for consecration or con- 
firmation, thus practically placing an episcopal interdict 



THE OXFORD MOVEMENT. 99 

upon the offending parish. In England there were even 
instances of imprisonment where the rector had ven- 
tured to follow not only the ancient practices, but the 
example of Cranmer and the great divines of the post 
reformation. In America a priest could not be sent to 
prison for preaching the doctrine of the Real Presence, 
conducting a choral service, or having a surpliced choir 
(the two latter being general, however, in English cath- 
edrals), but there were other methods of coercion nearly 
if not quite as efficacious. It should be remembered that 
in its inception the so-called Oxford movement was 
mainly doctrinal, and Dr. Pusey, its ablest leader, was 
anything but a "ritualist." But it naturally followed that 
higher ideals of doctrine and manner of living should 
lead to higher ideals of worship, deeper reverence for 
holy things, and a desire for better surroundings. Hence 
the earlier addresses of Bishop Mcllvaine were directed 
again the promulgation of those doctrines which, in the 
minds of their opponents, could only end by their advo- 
cates falling "into the cesspool of Rome." But the con- 
flict soon reached the second stage. In his convention 
address of 1846 the Bishop delivered the longest disser- 
tation yet promulgated against the new movement whose 
effect even yet had scarcely become noticeable in Ohio, 
announcing that he had refused to consecrate a church 
where there was an altar, and would observe this rule in 
the future. By an altar he meant any apparently solid struc- 
ture whereon was celebrated the Holy Communion. The 
only piece of furniture in this line which would pass mus- 
ter must be a table in the ordinary use of that term, made 
of wood, with visible legs, and unattached to the church. 
The marble mensa of St. Paul's had apparently escaped 
his attention. Possibly the legs saved it, although they 
were fastened to the floor. 



100 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

The Vestry chosen at the Easter election, 1847, was 
composed of Edward Wood and John H. Veirs, War- 
dens; Dr. John Andrews, James Means, Andrew Bus- 
tard, David Foster (treasurer), Abner L. Frazer (clerk). 
The same were chosen the two following years. During 
1847 the Bishop moved his residence from Gambier to 
Cincinnati, where he resided until his death. St. Stephen's 
Church, East Liverpool, was supplied at this time by Rev. 
J. B. Goodwin of Virginia, and there was no material 
change in the other parishes. Fourteen persons were 
confirmed in St. Paul's on April 2, 1848, and three at 
St. John's. The former reported 122 communicants and 
95 Sunday School scholars, with 15 teachers. St. 
John's, 24. 

There were no lay delegates from here in the con- 
ventions of 1848, 1849 and 1850, and no marked change 
in the number of communicants. David Foster, Abner 
L- Frazer and John B. Doyle were appointed a building 
committee in 1849 to take charge of a contemplated ex- 
tension of the church edifice. On March 31, 1850, the 
Bishop visited St. Paul's and confirmed 17 persons, 7 at 
St. James's, and 4 at St. John's. Francis A. Wells suc- 
ceeded Mr. Foster on the Vestry in 1850. Robert Hen- 
derson was requested to form a choir by the St. James's 
Vestry on November 10, 1848. 

B. M. Browning was added to the Vestry in 1851 ; 
John H. Veirs and George Beatty were convention dele- 
gates, with J. Detur and A. Underwood from St. 
James's. Mr. Gray, on February 7, had resigned the lat- 
ter parish and removed to Cincinnati, Dr. Morse taking 
temporary charge until October 25, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Humphrey Hollis, who added East Liv- 
eqjool to his other charges. During this year was built 
an extension of fifteen feet to the west end of St. Paul's, 
giving an inside length of about 74 feet. The city gas 




OLD ST. PAUL'S. 



THE OXFORD MOVEMENT. 101 

works having been completed about this time, upright 
standards of two lights each were distributed at inter- 
vals along the pews, the whole costing $600. The im- 
provement was continued the following year by the ar- 
rangement and fitting up of a Vestry and robing room 
about fifteen feet square, which, with painting the entire 
exterior, cost $410.52. At the same time the Sunday 
School room in the basement was improved by the young 
men. Of course, the chancel was moved back with the 
extension, and widened to the block of three pews on 
either side. The three-decker arrangement of pulpit, 
reading or prayer desk and altar in front was retained, 
but the first was now against the west wall and entered 
by a flight of steps and door directly from the vestry. 
Other parts of the chancel were reached through a door 
south of the pulpit, and after the reading of the service 
the minister would retire to the vestry room, doff his 
surplice and reappear in the pulpit in his academic gown 
of black silk and white throat bands. 

The death of Edward Wood the preceding Septem- 
ber vacated the Senior Wardenship, and at the election in 
1852 John H. Veirs was made Senior Warden, Andrew 
Bustard, Junior Warden, and Dr. Joseph Mitchell added 
to the Vestry. On Tuesday evening, April 13, twenty- 
three were confirmed, and four the following evening. 
Communicants reported, 147; Sunday School scholars, 
112, with 15 teachers, everything indicating that the par- 
ish was in a prosperous condition. 

At the Easter election, 1853, Thomas P. Fogg suc- 
ceeded Mr. Browning, deceased. The parish was now 
aiding a candidate for the ministry at Gambier at a cost 
of $100 per year, and arrearages of the rector's salary 
amounting to $300 were liquidated. By the energetic 
efforts of the women a sweet-toned organ was purchased 
from the firm of Hall & Labach for about $1,000, and 



102 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

the smaller instrument, which had done duty since the 
building of the church in 1833, was sold to a Moravian 
congregation in Tuscarawas County for $100. This, 
like its predecessors, being the only public pipe organ in 
the town, naturally attracted a great deal of attention. 
It was a four octave, single manual instrument of nine 
registers or speaking stops, viz. : Stop diapason, open 
diapason, principal treble and bass, trumpet, flute, 
twelfth, fifteenth, and sub-bass with octave and a half 
of pedals. One principal was afterwards extended clear 
through, the other being connected with a tremolo. 
There was a pedal coupler to keyboard, and foot lever 
for throwing on or off the trumpet, twelfth and fifteenth, 
the pipes except the sub-bass being inclosed in a swell 
box. The case was gothic dark wood with gilt pipes 
and quite ornamental. A legacy of $200 at this time 
allowed the extension of the choir gallery across the full 
width of the church, giving ample space for a large body 
of singers. In fact, St. Paul's had now one of the best 
equipped plants in the middle west, the most churchly 
edifice in the city, and was fully up to the times. 

Almost if not quite from the organization of the 
parish the music had been in charge of Miss Rebecca 
Wells, afterwards Mrs. Philander Chase and Mrs. Morse. 
She probably used her own little melodeon in the Acad- 
emy, and when the original organ was installed in the 
new church it was placed in her hands. Later she trained 
her daughter, Miss Mary Chase, to be her successor 
when her health should fail, and, having fainted one day 
while at the keyboard, Miss Chase took her place, which 
she held until after the purchase of the new organ in 
1853. Of course, all pipe organs were pumped by hand 
in those days, and many years after Miss Chase had a 
call from Hon. Edwin M. Stanton and Prof. Eli Tappan, 



THE OXFORD MOVEMENT. 103 

who recalled the fact that they were among her original 
organ blowers. 

On December 26, 1853, a class of twenty-two was 
confirmed, and the year closed under most encouraging 
auspices. Some small clouds were gathering, but as yet 
they were scarcely visible. One person was confirmed at 
St, John's. 

In the early days of this country the primitive An- 
glo-Saxon idea of God's Acre, with the parish church in 
its midst, and the remains of the faithful departed placed 
about it, awaiting the final resurrection, was generally 
carried out. The old parishes along the Atlantic coast 
stretching north and south from Jamestown bear silent 
witness to the wish so beautifully expressed by Bishop 
Coxe: 

And all round the church was a churchyard, 

With beautiful clumps of trees, 
The churchyard cross was planted 

On a hillock — like Calvary's. 

A quaint little roof o'er the gateway, 

Where the funerals paused with the bier! 

When the priest came forth with his surplice, 
He began the service here. 

And there I mused till the bell tolled, 
And thought, with the soul in bliss, 

The best of good things for the body 
Were to sleep in a spot like this. 

But the exigencies of city life, together with the im- 
possibility of securing sufficient land, compelled a change 
in this respect. When Steubenville was laid out in 1797 
Bezaleel Wells donated two lots 120x180 feet at the 



104 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

northwest corner of Fourth and South streets for a grave- 
yard, which continued in general use until 1831, when 
its crowded condition necessitated a new arrangement. 
At this time the St. Paul's congregation was contemplat- 
ing the erection of a new church, and as it was impossi- 
ble to secure sufficient ground for a graveyard at the site 
of the proposed edifice it was necessary to look elsewhere. 
Accordingly, on April 2, 1831, the Vestry purchased from 
James Ross for the nominal sum of one dollar a tract 
fronting 160 feet on Fourth street extension below Slack, 
and running 316 feet through to Fifth street, to be used 
for burial purposes. Other organizations purchased ad- 
joining tracts, and for the ensuing twenty-five years all the 
land between Fourth and Fifth streets, below the present 
public library property, was the town cemetery. The 
ground was not held in common, but each organization 
had its particular section, subject to its own control. This 
property was then outside the corporation limits, but was 
afterwards included in the city, and during the early fif- 
ties it became apparent that additional burial space would 
be necessary. Accordingly, at a meeting of the Vestry 
held on the evening of November 23, 1853, a committee 
consisting of Dr. J. Andrews, A. L. Frazer, A. J. Beatty, 
E. T. Tappan and Thomas Means was appointed "on be- 
half of this church to meet and confer with committees 
from the several Protestant churches of this city for the 
purpose of establishing a new cemetery outside of the city 
limits." As a result of this meeting a tract of fifty acres 
was selected from the Huscroft farm on Market street 
extension, and on February 25, following, a corporation 
was formed under the name of the Union Cemetery As- 
sociation. While the organization was purely secular 
and not under the control of any religious body, churches 
were invited to become stockholders, as several of them 
did. St. Paul's taking fifty shares. The capital was 



THE OXFORD MOVEMENT. 105 

$10,000, divided into 1,000 shares of $10 each. The 
original stockholders, both corporate and individual, or 
their assigns, had the first choice of lots up to the price 
of their stock, which then ceased to possess any intrinsic 
value, as the entire income of the Association, whether 
from sales of lots or otherwise, has been devoted to the 
care of the grounds, necessary enlargements and improve- 
ment, and in late years towards a permanent endowment 
fund. The property now includes about 250 acres, whose 
beauty are the admiration of all visitors. 

The grounds were opened by a general picnic on 
July 4, 1854, and on the 15th the first board of trustees 
was chosen, Dr. Andrews representing St. Paul's, who 
was succeeded by James H. Blinn, and the present writer 
since 1872. In order to dispose of the South Fourth 
street property it was necessary to obtain a quitclaim 
from the Ross estate, which was given by William H. 
Denny, administrator de bonis non of James Ross, on 
January 5, 1854, for one dollar. Availing itself itself of 
its privilege as a corporate stockholder, St. Paul's Church 
selected lot No. 3 section acre for such of its members as 
desired to use the same, and at once proceeded to put it 
in proper shape for use, although the deed does not appear 
to have been executed until April 30, 1857. John D. 
Slack, who was landscape gardener for the cemetery, 
plotted the tract into fifty-six lots with a semi-circular 
driveway, and individual or free ground at each end. A 
large lot was reserved for the needs of the rector's fam- 
ily in which are buried young sons of Rev. Charles Gil- 
lette and M. W. Burt. It was resolved that no burials 
should be made in the "Old Cemetery" after January 1, 
1856, and individuals at once began removing members 
of their families to the new tract. When this had been 
done as far as possible, the parish took up the bodies of 
all who could be found and removed them also. On May 



106 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

22, 1867, the Fourth street tract was sold to Robert 
Mears for $1,400, and the following year the city Board 
of Education secured from the Wells heirs as a gift their 
quitclaim to the lots on the corner of Fourth and South 
streets, whereon the Grant school building was erected. 
Practically all the lots in the Church Acre have been sold, 
and possibly the majority of the present parish have bur- 
ial places in the general cemetery. 

Mr. Wells having declined re-election to the Vestry 
in 1855, Alexander J. Beatty was chosen in his place. 
J. H. Veirs attended convention. The rector's arrear- 
ages were reported at $211, and a committee was ap- 
pointed on the subject. Twelve persons were confirmed 
on April 29, and for several years a marked diminution 
is reported, although the communicants numbered 156, 
the highest figure yet attained; Sunday School scholars, 
100. On November 23, Jeremiah Marion was appointed 
sexton to succeed Elijah Steel, at $26 per annum and 
house, he to furnish his own brooms and brushes. Mr. 
Hollis held his last service at St. James's on March 4, 
and six country parishes in the neighborhood were va- 
cant, with the result that the members were falling off 
to other religious bodies. 

Vacancies in the Vestry through the death of James 
Means and removal of A. L. Frazer to Cincinnati were 
filled by the election of Martin Andrews and William 
Day in 1856. A. Cunningham represented St. James's 
in convention. 

Miss Lizzie Johnston and later a Mrs. Stout con- 
ducted a week-day school in the basement of the church, 
and about November 1 a fire occurred, doing some dam- 
age, whereupon the Vestry decided to rent the basement 
no more for this purpose. The rector looked after St. 
James's, and made an earnest appeal for missionaries. 
The communicant list of St. James's had fallen to 45. 



THE OXFORD MOVEMENT. 107 

Rev. Charles W. Eearnes came in August, 1856, to 
look after the suburban parishes, and in October took 
charge of St. James's. In this he was assisted by Rev. 
Edmund Christian, who had lately returned from the 
West Indies and located in Brooke County, Va. On 
September 21 the Bishop confirmed four persons in St. 
Paul's, and nine at St. James's, after an interval of six 
and one-half years. 

The Vestry elected in 1857 besides the Wardens, 
Messrs. Veirs and Bustard, was composed of Dr. J. 
Mitchell, A. J. Beatty, Martin Andrews, F. A. Wells, 
James Means, Jr., James H. Blinn, Matthew Watson and 
David Orth, who was succeeded next year by William 
Spear. On April 22 the resolution prohibiting the use 
of the basement for a week-day school was suspended 
until October 1, and Miss Sophia Presley allowed the 
same at $2 per month. The pew rents were increased 
in order that the rector might be paid $500 per year, the 
highest being rated at $20, and the lowest $2 each. The 
full number of pews outside of free reservations was 88. 
Three were confirmed on October 11. A visitation was 
made to St. James's, but none was confirmed. During 
this month Mr. Christian took charge of St. James's and 
East Liverpool. 

Dr. Mitchell represented St. Paul's in the conven- 
tion of 1858, and J. Cunningham, St. James's. The for- 
mer parish reported daily service and sermon during 
Holy Week. 

The growth of the diocese in population naturally 
increased the work of the Bishop, although the building 
of railroads at least to all the leading cities of the state 
had made the transportation problem very different from 
what it was in the days of Bishop Chase, or even of 
Bishop Mcllvaine's earlier period. The practice of divid- 
ing states into two or more dioceses had not then be- 



108 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

come general, and so Bishop Mcllvaine, by reason of his 
increased labors, advancing years and impaired health, 
asked for an assistant. Accordingly, at the convention 
of 1859, Rev. Gregory T. Bedell, rector of the Church 
of the Ascension, New York, was elected Assistant 
Bishop. He was consecrated on October 13 of that year, 
and subsequently took up his residence at Gambier, 
where he built himself a beautiful home on the college 
grounds. He intended the house to become the residence 
of the college president at his (the Bishop's) death, but 
it was decided to be too far fromi the students for that 
purpose, so it continues to be the summer home of the 
Bishop of Ohio. He and his wife also built the present 
parish church and college chapel at Gambier, equipping 
it with organ, chimes, etc., complete. 

At the Easter election, 1859, F. A. Wells was 
elected Senior Warden, Dr. Mitchell, Junior Warden 
(and Secretary), and Martin Andrews, James Means, 
James H. Blinn, Eli T. Tappan, A. J. Beatty, David L. 
Orth, R. L. Moodey, and Thomas Means, Vestrymen. 
Samuel McKee had previously been appointed sexton to 
succeed Mr. Marion. 

Miss Mary Chase, who had succeeded her mother as 
organist, had resigned that position, and for a year or 
more dependence was placed on volunteer service, among 
those serving in that capacity being Prof. R. C. Haw- 
kins. Spencer F. Scull, a native of Somerset, Pa., had 
come to Steubenville to enter the ticket department of the 
S. & I. Railroad, who was an accomplished musician, and 
on May 7, 1859, a contract was made with him to take 
charge of the organ and choir at a salary of $100 per 
annum. An arrangement was made with the rector fix- 
ing his salary at $500 per annum, instead of depending 
on the uncertain results of pew rents, which had recently 
been the practice. 



THE OXFORD MOVEMENT. 109 

Church repairs being needed, the ever busy women 
again put their shoulders to the wheel, and early in the 
year held a festival which raised $300 for that purpose. 
This amount was subsequently doubled, and a general 
overhauling took place with material alterations in the 
chancel. The old three-decker arrangement was swept 
away, a new pulpit placed on the north side of the chan- 
cel with reading and prayer desk on the south, and the 
altar in the centre. The side door to the vestry room 
was closed, and the central door brought down to the 
level of the chancel floor. Above it was placed a six-foot 
circular window of stained glass containing a central 
cross with the letters I. H. S. The spandrils of the side 
windows were filled with painted glass in ecclesiastical 
designs, such as Agnus Dei, chalice, Bible, etc. Above 
the chancel window in large gilt letters were the words: 
"Glory to God in the Highest," and below on each side 
and over the main doorway were suitable Scripture texts. 
A permanent font of carved wood was placed directly in 
front of the chancel rail, and the windows, which con- 
tained ordinary glass, were frosted. The whole was a 
marked step forward in church decoration. Bishop 
Mcllvaine visited the parish on October 2 and confirmed 
tleven. 

Andrew Bustard was elected Senior Warden, and 
F. A. Wells, Junior Warden, on April 8, 1860, with 
Dr. Mitchell, A. J. Beatty, Martin Andrews, James 
Means, William Day, John Blackburn, Alexander Doyle 
and J. H. Blinn, Vestrymen. Bishop Bedell made his 
first visitation at St. James's on April 18, where he con- 
firmed seven persons, and preached at Steubenville in the 
evening. The next day he went to St. John's, East 
Springfield, where there had been scarcely a service for 
four years, and then to St. Clairsville, where there had 
been an interregnum of five years. James Cunningham 



110 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

represented St. James's in the convention, where the bur- 
den of the Bishops' addresses was diminution in the num- 
ber of clergy and the resulting lamentable condition of 
weak parishes. St. James's at this time reported 54 
communicants, and St. Paul's, 130, with an average at- 
tendance at service of 250 ; Sunday School scholars, 157, 
with 22 teachers. A new heating apparatus was placed 
in the basement. 

The next year St. Paul's reported 132 communi- 
cants, and St. James's, 58. Mr. Christian revived the 
services at East Springfield, and Bishop Bedell held his 
first confirmation at St. Paul's on March 24, with a class 
of twelve, and at St. James's on April 19, with a class 
of seven. William R. Lloyd succeeded Mr. Blackburn 
on the St. Paul's Vestry, and Dr. Mitchell attended con- 
vention. Armstrong Maley was elected on St. James's 
Vestry. 

Early in 1861 Rev. William K. Rogers came here, 
a deacon from Circleville, Ohio, and was made assistant 
rector at St. Paul's, with duties as missionary in the 
neighborhood. He resuscitated St. Stephen's Church at 
East Liverpool, where service was also rendered by Rev. 
Mr. Mackay. On October 24 Bishop Bedell preached at 
East Springfield, and on the 27th at Bellaire, Mr. Rogers 
rtading prayers, being the first service of the Church 
ever held there. On the 28th he was at Steubenville, and 
on the 29th preached at St. James's, and confirmed one. 
Mr. Christian had resigned that charge and returned to 
his work among the negroes in British Guiana. 

In his subsequent convention address Bishop Bedell 
refers to this visit, and speaks of "Rev. Mr. Morse, the 
venerable rector, having been more than forty years in 
charge of the parish, entered heartily into the plan of 
the Diocesan Missionary Committee to make his parish 
a missionary centre. He has shared the labors of his 



THE OXFORD MOVEMENT. Ill 

missionary assistant, Mr. Rogers, and enabled us to 
maintain services regularly both in East Liverpool, Bel- 
laire, etc. He was pleased to find two new and very 
successful parish mission Sunday schools among the op- 
eratives of Steubenville." One of these schools was lo- 
cated in what was known as the Jeffersonville district, 
afterwards the sixth ward, and the other in the school- 
house on the present site of the Lincoln building. The 
latter was conducted for a year or two, and the other with 
one break of continuity until the summer of 1868. The 
site is now covered by the La Belle Iron Works. 

At the election in 1862 Mr. Wells, in place of An- 
drew Bustard, deceased, was made Senior Warden, and 
Dr. Mitchell, Junior Warden, John Bustard being added 
to the Vestry, the same being re-elected the next year. 
In May the round window in the west end of the church 
was broken by a stone, and a new one inserted. John 
Underwood, A. Cunningham and William White repre- 
sented St. James's in convention. Bishop Bedell com- 
mended the work of Mr. Rogers during the past year, 
and recommended him for the priesthood. He was or- 
dained at Mt. Vernon during the session of the conven- 
tion on June 26. Mr. Rogers remained in Steubenville 
but a short time longer, having married Miss Mary 
Andrews, and removed to Columbus. He afterwards re- 
tired from the ministry and engaged in other pursuits, 
being private secretary to President R. B. Hayes during 
the latter's tenure of office. He died at Columbus in 
November, 1893, and his remains were brought to Steu- 
benville for burial on December 1. 

During 1862 two deacons were sent as missionaries 
into these parts, being Henry A. Lewis, who had special 
charge of St. James's, and James H. Lee having St. 
John's, Brooke County, Va. The Civil War, then rag- 
ing, had cut off Western Virginia from the rest of the 



112 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Diocese, and the Ohio Valley parishes were looked after 
from this side of the river so far as circumstances per- 
mitted. 

On April 22, 1863, Bishop Mcllvaine visited St. 
Paul's and confirmed ten persons, also holding confirma- 
tion in St. John's, Brooke County. John Cunningham 
and Robert Henderson represented St. James's in con- 
vention. 

On June 10 was held the first ordination service in 
St Paul's. Rev. Messrs. Lee and Lewis were advanced 
to the priesthood by Bishop Bedell, the candidates being 
presented by Dr. Morse, and Rev. A. T. M. Murphy, of 
Salem and New Lisbon; Rev. Mackay, of Pennsylvania, 
and Rev. Thomas G. Addison, of St. Matthew's Church, 
Wheeling, joining in the laying on of hands. Mr. Lewis 
was a young man of more than average talent, but within 
a couple of years death called him home. Mr. Lee was 
called to a western parish, and at this writing is still re- 
siding at Manhattan, Kansas. On June 11, 1863, Bishop 
Bedell confirmed 10 at St. James's. 

It is scarcely necessary to state that during the dark 
days of the Civil War both rector and people were in- 
tensely loyal to the Government, and prayer and fast 
days were religiously observed, as well as thanksgiving 
when occasion permitted. The tower bell rang out jubi- 
lee when the first Atlantic cable was completed, and again 
when Union victories were announced. Soldiers at the 
front were remembered in a practical manner as indi- 
cated by the following sample acknowledgment: 

Cincinnati. December 9, 1863. 
Received of Miss Mary Chase for the United States Chris- 
tian Commission one box of hospital stores valued at $60, the 
contribution of St. Paul's Church Sabbath (?) school, Steuben- 



THE OXFORD MOVEMENT. 113 

ville. Ohio. We have this day forwarded the box to Nashville. 
It contains a most admirably selected stock of such stores as 
we need. In behalf of the soldiers we return thanks. Yours 
truly, 

J. M. MASLEY, Secretary. 

There was no material change in communicants this 
year, but the Sunday School scholars are reported at 250 
with 21 teachers. This doubtless included the two mis- 
sion schools. It may be remarked here that the practice 
of a Sunday School Christmas treat was a feature of St. 
Paul's almost, if not quite, from the origin of the school. 
None was given to any other Sunday School in the town, 
in fact, Christmas, outside of Churchmen and Romanists, 
was completely ignored as a religious festival, as were 
also the other great feasts of the Church. But at St. 
Paul's it was always a busy period. Volunteers with 
teams visited the woods fully a week before, returning 
with loads of hemlock, pine and laurel, which men, 
women and children fashioned into forms for decorating 
the house of God. Passing beneath the choir gallery 
into the church was like walking through a forest, to be 
further greeted by masses of festoons, churchly emblems 
and Scripture texts. Our modern churches with their 
permanent ornamentation do not lend themselves readily 
to this character of decoration, but the feeling of those 
who can look backward to the earlier days is that while 
we have gained much we have lost somthing which 
bi ought to the Christmas services an enthusiasm and a 
feeling which we would have fain retained. 

At the Easter election, 1864, S. F. Scull and Joseph 
Beatty succeeded Alexander Doyle and W. R. Lloyd. 
Both Bishops at the convention this year condemned the 
practice of so-called union services with other religious 
bodies, especially on Thanksgiving day. 



CHAPTER IX. 

A PERIOD OF TRIAL. 

New St. James's Church Consecrated — Troubles at St. Paul's — 
Disagreements With the Rector — Consultations With the 
Bishops — The Church Closed and Reopened — Resignation 
of Dr. Morse — Illness and Death. 

Difficulties had arisen in the Steubenville parish, af- 
fecting attendance at the services, but the Sunday School 
had been kept in a flourishing condition, chiefly through 
lay administration, Mr. McKee and Mr. Day had con- 
ducted the opening services for sometime previous, the 
rector always arriving in time for closing instruction, 
especially in the catechism, and the proficiency of the 
school in this respect has never been excelled, if equalled. 
Miss Chase had charge of the infant department, and one 
Thomas Scott, a new accession, was placed in charge as 
superintendent. His activity was beyond question, but 
differences soon arose which terminated in his resigna- 
tion and also that of Miss Chase. J. R. Vanzant was 
made superintendent, with Mrs. E. S. Wood in charge 
of the infant school. A melodeon was procured to aid 
the singing, and 200 scholars were reported, with 20 
teachers. 

On October 26, 1864, Bishop Bedell consecrated a 
new frame church edifice for St. James's parish, which 
took the place of the previous brick structure, which had 
become unsafe. This was the third edifice erected by the 
parish since its organization, and is still standing. The 
main structure is 40x30 feet with vestry and robing room 
20x10 at east end; windows early English. The Vestry 
at this time consisted of Alexander Cunningham and 
Robert Henderson, Wardens; Armstrong Maley, John 



A PERIOD OF TRIAL. 115 

and James Underwood, John Elliott, and William and 
John White. On the evening of the 30th seven were 
confirmed at St. Paul's, Rev. Messrs. Morse, Matthew 
M. Gilbert and Lewis taking part in the services. 

In one of the popular magazines is a tale by 
Thomas Nelson Page, entitled "The Shepherd Who 
Watched by Night," which relates in that writer's fasci- 
nating style the story of a pastor who gave the best years 
of his life to his parish in a small town. Rejecting more 
eligible offers because he considered it his duty to remain 
with his original flock, the years rolled on. Children 
were baptized, confirmed and married, and their children 
went through the same process, and the burial service 
was read over the remains of those who had been the 
associates of his youth. Charitable to a fault, giving 
himself up to the consideration of others, be they ever so 
lowly and degraded, youthful energy gave way to age, 
and the eloquence which had drawn large congregations 
in former days now failed to attract. True, the old priest 
faithfully continued to do his Master's work. A sick call 
was never refused, and his charity was such that he was 
called "the old preacher who took in all the tramps." If 
character alone could attract the multitude, then his little 
church would never have held the crowds who flocked 
to its portals. But, alas, this was not the case. Instead 
of large congregations empty pews greeted the old rector. 
While a few clung to the church of their ancestors, the 
"madding crowd" sought the new orators in the denomi- 
national chapels, until it seemed only a question of time 
when there would not be left a sufficient number to keep 
the organization alive. The situation is broken to the old 
rector, who makes up his mind to retire, when what 
Miss Proctor calls "the beautiful angel, Death," sum- 
moned him home. 

Possibly the writer of that story had never heard of 



116 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

the Steubenville parish, and certainly knew nothing of 
its history. Yet, after allowing the usual latitude accord- 
ed to writers of fiction, the foundation for the narrative 
might have been laid in this parish of St. Paul's. For 
several years previous to 1860 there had been some fric- 
tion between the rector and a portion of the congrega- 
tion, which may have been partly due to the former's un- 
compromising position on certain matters, but this could 
not be considered serious, although it no doubt to a cer- 
tain extent hampered the temporal growth of the parish. 
After that date, however, the situation became very much 
aggravated. Among the recent accessions to the Church 
was a family from one of the local religious societies, at 
least one member of which had been very active, espe- 
cially in Sunday School work, but concerning whose 
character there was a decided difference of opinion. This 
individual was appointed by the rector as superintendent 
of the Sunday school. Even had there been no personal 
objection to the character of the newcomer, his manners 
and methods were so foreign to the ways of the Church, 
and his persistency in forcing them on the people were so 
objectionable, that vigorous protests followed. These 
became so decided that he was compelled to give up 
charge of the Sunday School, but remained a member of 
the congregation and trusted friend of the guileless rec- 
tor and his family, which condition tended to widen the 
breach already existing. Matters continued in this con- 
dition until October, 1864, when Bishop Bedell, while on 
a visitation to the parish, was called into consultation 
with the Vestry, all the members being present except 
Messrs. Wells and Andrews. According to the minutes 
Dr. Mitchell on behalf of the Vestry "made a concise 
statement of the condition of this parish, in its connec- 
tion with our Rector, Dr. Morse, setting forth that the 
parish is not flourishing under his care, but fast going to 



A PERIOD OF TRIAL. 117 

decay; that there is great dissatisfaction with Dr. M. on 
the part of a large portion of the members of the parish, 
and that there is no ground for hope that this dissatisfac- 
tion will ever grow less whilst the parish stands con- 
nected with Dr. Morse as its rector." 

Dr. Bedell promised to lay the statement before 
Bishop Mcllvaine on the latter's arrival home from a 
trip to Europe. On December 8 following Bishop 
Mcllvaine, having received a memorandum of this meet- 
ing from Dr. Bedell, wrote to the Vestry stating that 
before he could take any action it would be necessary to 
have an authorized written statement from the Vestry 
as to the situation. Accordingly, under date of Decem- 
ber 12, the following was prepared and sent to the 
Bishop : 



We. as Vestrymen of St. Paul's Church, Steubenville, con- 
sider it our duty to call your attention to the condition of this 
parish. It is evident to us and to the congregation at large that 
the temporal condition of affairs is very unsatisfactory. There 
is a feeling of antagonism between the Rector and his people 
that will soon reduce [the parish] so that it will not be self- 
sustaining, even to raise the very small salary paid the present 
Rector. Many members of the congregation have said that un- 
less a change is made they will withdraw; others adhere reluc- 
tantly, while some who are anxious to attend the services of 
the Church withhold their support until matters are put on a 
different footing. There is a sufficient number of Episcopalians 
in this place, some by birth and education, others from prefer- 
ence for the Church, to build up, under favorable auspices, a 
large and nourishing congregation. 

When we consider the advanced age and long services, but 
poorly compensated, of our venerable Rector, it is with pain 
we make this statement. We present it as a very imperfect 
view of the state of affairs in our church, and with filial confi- 
dence and regard, ask your fatherly confidence and advice. On 
our part as a church and congregation we are conscious of 
many faults, but feel the conviction that we will never grow 
any better under the care and management of our present Rec- 
tor. We therefore believe his connection with us should en- 
tirely cease. Signed, J. Mitchell, Junior Warden; S. F. Scull, 
William Day, James Means, A. J. Beatty, Joseph Beatty, James 
H. Blinn, John Bustard. 



118 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Mr. Andrews being absent from the city, and Mr. 
Wells, being a brother-in-law of Dr. Morse, did not sign 
the letter. The Junior Warden, in transmitting the let- 
ter adds: 

In drawing up this paper we intentionally avoided the mail- 
ing of specific charges against our venerable Rector, because, in 
the first place, none that we could make, separately considered, 
are of great magnitude, and in the second place, whatever his 
faults, most of them are directly referable to his well-known 
mental aberration. 

Bishop Mcllvaine did not reply to the foregoing 
communication, but sent a copy of the same to Dr. 
Morse, who read it to the congregation a few Sundays 
later, followed by the statement that if a majority of the 
pewholders and communicants desired his resignation he 
would not stand in the way of another and better man. 
A subsequent standing vote taken after service was prac- 
tically unanimous in favor of the rector, most of the op- 
position, however, being absent. 

The next move was by the Vestry on February 25, 
18G5, sending to the rector a communication declaring it 
to be the intention of that body soon after Easter to seek 
for and call another rector, adding: "In consideration 
of your age and long services in this church, a number 
of individuals of the congregation have obligated them- 
selves to pay you the sum of $250 as an annuity to re- 
tire upon." 

No reply was made to this, but at the Easter elec- 
tion two tickets were placed in the field. The existing 
Vestry was re-elected by a vote of 37 to 18, E. F. An- 
drews taking the place of Martin Andrews. 

The Vestry met on April 21, and sent a letter to Dr. 
Morse, reiterating the former determination to call a 
new rector as soon as practicable, expressing the highest 
regard for past services and exalted character, and re- 



A PERIOD OF TRIAL. 119 

nevving the offer of a $250 pension for life. They would 
also be pleased to have him as an honored guest, either 
to officiate or attend service, and a pew would be reserved 
for himself and family. 

No reply was received to this letter, and on April 24 
a committee was appointed to wait on Dr. Morse, and 
invite him to officiate on the following Sunday, the de- 
clared reason for the invitation being that there was a 
vacancy in the rectorship of the church. Mr. Morse did 
officiate the following Sunday, April 30, but during the 
service took occasion to repudiate the idea that there 
was any vacancy, saying, "I wish the congregation and 
Vestry to distinctly understand that I am the rector of 
this church, and that no man can occupy that desk or 
that pulpit (pointing) without my permission. This is 
my church, and that is my pulpit, and here I will preach 
a 5 long as my present health continues, and when that 
fails I will choose an assistant, and I wish the Vestry to 
know that the sum they pay me will not be sufficient for 
two." 

However abrupt this statement may seem, there was 
no doubt but that it was legally correct. By the com- 
mon law both in England and America, a rector once 
properly placed in charge of a parish could only be 
ejected after charges made and sustained, either of im- 
morality or inability to perform the functions of his of- 
fice. On the organization of the American Church a 
canon had been adopted providing that in case of irre- 
concilable differences between a rector and his parish that 
relation could be dissolved, but this canon had been re- 
pealed, a fact of which the Bishop reminded the Vestry. 
The latter body, however, took the radical course of or- 
dering the church edifice closed, and when the rector and 
members of the congregation proceeded there the follow- 
ing Sunday, they found the doors locked. Without re- 



120 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

sorting to legal action or physical force they proceeded 
to the rectory on South High street, where services were 
held on that and the four Sundays following. Bishop 
Mcllvaine, learning of these proceedings, wrote as fol- 
lows : 

I am very desirous of avoiding the necessity of bringing 
the unhappy state of things between the Vestry of St. Pauls 
and Dr. Morse to an issue 'before the Convention. As a matter 
of law, there can be no doubt as to the view that would be 
taken of it by that body. But cannot the case be otherwise dis- 
posed of? I suggest the following — namely — that seeing my 
consent to the dismission is not given the Vestry withdraw 
their act to that effect, and signify the same to Dr. Morse, the 
church being opened to his occupancy. On my hearing offi- 
cially of that I will write him to advise his resignation on the 
terms the Vestry have offered. Until the dismission is with- 
drawn, I could not advise him to resign, nor could he consent 
to it. 

In accordance with the suggestions of the Bishop, 
at a Vestry meeting held on June 5 the action of dis- 
missal was rescinded, and a notification directed to Dr. 
Morse that the church was again opened to his occu- 
pancy, where he officiated the following Sunday, July 11. 

The forty-eighth Diocesan Convention was held at 
Marietta on June 6-8, St. Paul's being represented by 
James Means, S. F. Scull and E. F. Andrews. A canon 
was adopted providing for an arbitration court with 
power to take cognizance of irreconcilable differences be- 
tween a rector and his parish, part to be selected by said 
rector and antagonistic vestry, and the remainder by the 
court itself, power being given to dissolve such relation- 
ship if found expedient. This canon remained in force 
for several years, when it was superseded by a similar 
canon of the General Convention, and thus becoming ob- 
solete, it was repealed. An interesting question might 
have been raised as to whether this canon could be legally 
made applicable to causes arising before its adoption, but 



A PERIOD OF TRIAL. m 

this was avoided by Dr. Morse on July 10 sending his 
resignation to the Bishop, and afterwards to the Vestry, 
to take effect on October 10 following. He announced 
his intention of organizing another parish, but by advice 
of the Bishop the matter was dropped, and he con- 
tinued to officiate until the middle of September, when it 
was announced that the church would be closed for re- 
pairs,, 

Dr. Morse retired to his home, and thereafter his 
familiar figure was not seen either in the church, to 
whose congregation he had ministered for forty-six 
years, or on the streets where he was known to every 
man, woman and child. Whether the strain of the pre- 
ceding months had affected him or not, it is certain that 
with its relaxation a collapse had come. He gradually 
became weaker, and, attended by his devoted wife and 
daughter, on February 15 following, he peacefully en- 
tered Paradise. 

It is not necessary to analyze Dr. Morse's character 
at length. Possessed of the vigorous mentality so 
marked in his uncle, Bishop Chase, he attacked evil wher- 
ever he found it. Like his Master he had no compro- 
mise to make with sin in any form, while always consid- 
erate of the sinner, especially the sinner of the street, 
even if he was hard on the sinner in the Church. Intem- 
perance, slavery, profane swearing, and every crying 
evil of the day were denounced in unsparing terms, no 
matter to whom his anathemas appeared applicable. We 
have already referred to his charitable disposition, and 
the story of the policeman who discovered him one dark 
night trundling a wheelbarrow load of coal to a poor 
widow deserves to be held in everlasting remembrance 
r <^- no other reason than to demonstrate that there are 
those in these latter days entitled to canonization as well 
as in the time of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, whose 



122 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

good deeds, especially the act of surreptitiously dropping 
a purse of gold into a poor man's house, have immortal- 
ized him in the familiar character of Santa Claus. While 
engaged in some local historical work the present writer 
had occasion to consult a book of notes kept by a pioneer 
Presbyterian, Mr. Sherrard, previously mentioned. It 
was rilled with facts illustrating the shortcomings 
as well as the virtues of his contemporaries, clerical 
and lay. Nearly everybody had some flaw, but there 
was one person who was always spoken of with 
unqualified respect, and that was Father Morse. It might 
be putting the matter too strongly to claim that for saint- 
liiiess of character extending over so long a period he 
had no equal in this community, certainly he had no su- 
perior. Without criticising any who considered that they 
had a serious duty to perform, the wish may be expressed 
that some arrangement could have been made by which 
the "good old man," as he was called by a local paper, 
could have passed to his rest as rector of the parish. 

The remains of Dr. Morse were taken to Gambier 
and interred by his widow and stepdaughter, who there- 
after made their home at that place. Mrs. Morse died 
on February 26, 1873, and a plain monument erected by 
her and her daughter marks the resting place of this pio- 
neer priest and saint of the household of God. 



CHAPTER X. 

NEW RECTOR'S. 

Rev. Charles Gillette Called — Rapid Progress of the Parish — 
Alterations in Interior — Unexpected Resignation — A Land 
Purchase — Rectorship of Rev. Hull — Choir and Vestry 
Changes. 

The Vestry of St. Paul's on November 20, 1865, 
extended a call to Rev. Charles Gillette, D.D., of Austin, 
Texas, to become rector. Dr. Gillette was born in 
Granby, Conn., in 1813, and was graduated from Trin- 
ity College in 1838. Soon after he became one of the 
professors in the Virginia High School, near Alexandria, 
Va., and subsequently a student in the theological sem- 
inary. He was admitted deacon in 1842 in Christ 
Church, Alexandria, by Bishop Meade, and in October 
following was advanced to the priesthood. Texas at that 
time was a foreign land to us. Several years before its 
annexation to the United States, he foresaw its future 
destiny, and felt its vast importance as missionary 
ground. He laid the matter before the Foreign Com- 
mittee of the Board of Missions, saying: "Here am I; 
send me," and on October 11, 1842, he received a com- 
mission for his work. He established himself at Hous- 
ton, Texas, and served there and in adjacent regions un- 
til the close of 1851. During the ensuing years he had 
charge of the Diocesan School and St. Paul's College, in 
which he labored to give an impulse to the cause of 
Christian education. In 1856 he accepted the director- 
ship of St. David's Church, Austin, in which place he 
continued to reside until 1865. During this long period 
he had always been one of the leading men in the dio- 
cese He was a member of the Standing Committee and 



124 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

a delegate to the General Convention from its organiza- 
tion, and was active and prominent in devising and ex- 
ecuting plans for the extension of the Church by mis- 
sionary and educational enterprises. During the Civil 
War Mr. Gillette remained loyal to the Union, and on 
declining to read prayers for the success of the Confed- 
eracy, he was deprived of his parish. He and his family 
were consequently in straitened circumstances, which 
might have reached destitution had it not been for the 
kindness of friends. As soon as practicable after the 
cessation of hostilities he came north, and at the sugges- 
tion of Bishop Bedell came to Steubenville, and was the 
guest of A. J. Beatty at the latter's home, corner of Slack 
and Fifth streets. The Vestry proceeded there in a body, 
and presented the call in person. It provided for a sal- 
ary of $100 per month and boarding until the arrival of 
the rector's wife and children, who were still in Texas, 
and after that $1,000 per annum and a furnished house 
free. The call was not accepted immediately, but Mr. 
Gillette proposed taking temporary charge until he and 
the people should become better acquainted and the future 
outlook of the parish indicated. The increased expenses 
necessitated an immediate advance in pew rents, which, 
on the whole, was cheerfully accepted. There was a 
marked improvement in attendance upon the Church 
services, and on January 31 Mr. Gillette formally ac- 
cepted the rectorship. He left shortly after for his fam- 
ily, and was absent during the month of February. In 
the meantime a brick residence on the northeast corner 
of Fifth and Adams streets was rented for a rectory, and 
about $900, which had been raised by the women, was 
devoted to furnishing the same, which, with numerous 
individual gifts provided the house completely from attic 
to cellar. 

Certain repairs to the church being necessary, at this 




OL.D ST. PAUL'S, INTERIOR, 187 




GRAVES OF MR MORSE AND WIFE, GAM BIER. 



NEW RECTORS. 125 

time, it was decided to make a change in the arrange- 
ment of the pews. The old seats were lowered, doors 
removed, and the central and two side blocks, separated 
by two aisles, were replaced by a middle aisle with a 
double block of pews on each side, and side aisles next 
the wall. By a little crowding some extra seats were 
obtained, affording a needed increase in capacity, which 
was now about 450. The lighting system was also 
changed. In the centre was suspended a magnificent 
thirty-light chandelier costing $350, the gift of Robert 
Mears, and from each of the four corners of the ceiling 
hung a six-light pendant. The edifice was repainted, 
windows improved by casing, and other necessary repairs 
made, the whole, with the rectory furnishing, costing 
about $2,700. The auction sale of pews at the- reopen- 
ing paid for recarpeting the aisles. 

Improvements were also made in the Sunday School 
room, the old pew doors being utilized for seat ends, and 
a new service book (Hollister's) with chants and tunes 
being introduced. Messrs. Wells and Andrews attended 
convention this year. 

Mr. Gillette at this day would be regarded as a very 
conservative Churchman, but, although no radical 
changes were made in the services, yet progress was in 
the air. The music under Mr. Scull was rendered effi- 
ciently, and the services were well attended. As a mat- 
ter of convenience the bell was rung at the commence- 
ment of the service, the black preaching gown was dis- 
carded, and monthly communion was established, in ad- 
dition to the celebrations on high festivals. Bishop 
Mcllvaine visited St. Paul's for the last time on Septem- 
ber 30, when he confirmed twenty-one persons. He and 
Mr. Gillette also visited the new St. James's Church. 

The deaths of Messrs. Lewis and Gilbert left the 
country parishes vacant, and on November 1, Rev. Well- 



126 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

ington E. Webb took charge of the Brooke County 
churches along with St. James's. Wellsburg had been 
without pastoral charge for sometime, and the church 
edifice was apparently deserted, with broken windows 
and other evidence of neglect. As previously stated, Mr. 
Webb gathered the remnants of the congregation to- 
gether, restored the small but good-toned pipe organ, and 
revived regular services. 

Joseph Beatty, Joseph Means and James Means at- 
tended the convention of 1867. Although excess of rit- 
ual had not become evident throughout Ohio, yet the 
episcopal thunders against it were by no means lessened. 
The Cleveland Convocation presented a petition asking 
for a division of the diocese, but this was not to come 
for several years. There was an evident pruning of dead 
matter from the St. Paul's communicant list, as only 
97 were reported, with 150 Sunday School scholars and 
18 teachers. St. James's reported 48 communicants. 

During this year there was considerable agitation 
in reference to building a new church edifice or enlarg- 
ing the old one, and drawings were made on behalf of 
both propositions. Building of a rectory was also dis- 
cussed, but the high prices of labor and material induced 
delay, when an event occurred which summarily post- 
poned all these projects. 

Pursuant to a call by the rector, the Vestry met on 
the evening of October 21, when a letter was read from 
Mr. Gillette, tendering his resignation, to take effect on 
the 30th, only nine days distant. He had been elected 
Secretary and General Agent of the Commission of the 
Church's Home Missions to Colored People, with head- 
quarters in New York, and felt impelled by the call of 
duty to accept the same. To most of the congregation 
the news came like a clap of thunder from a clear sky. 
The parish had become practically united under Mr. Gil- 



NEW RECTORS. 127 

kite's wise leadership, and had a bright future in pros- 
pect. Being an able preacher and possessing excellent 
social qualities, the new rector had won the esteem and 
affection of the congregation, and a change seemed most 
unfortunate just as affairs were apparently settling down 
in a satisfactory manner. But there was no help for it, 
and Mr. Gillette and family in a few days removed to 
Brooklyn, N. Y. Within sixteen months of his removal 
to his new home Mr. Gillette was summoned by death. 
About March 1, 1869, he paid a visit to Rev. George A. 
Leakin, rector of Trinity Church, Baltimore, for whom 
he was to preach on the 7th. On Saturday morning, 
the 6th, he started out in a snowstorm to visit some 
friends, and stepped into the lobby of Wilson Hotel to 
examine a city directory. The book was handed him, 
and just as he was proceeding to open it he sank to the 
floor and immediately expired from heart failure. His 
remains were taken to Brooklyn for interment. 

A class of twenty for confirmation had been pre- 
pared by Mr. Gillette before his resignation, and this 
class was confirmed by Bishop Bedell on the evening of 
November 3, including three from St. James's. 

The Vestry immediately took steps towards secur- 
ing a rector, but some months were to elapse before that 
was accomplished. 

Dr. John Andrews died on October 4, 1866, leaving 
$1,000 to be invested by the Vestry, the interest there- 
from to be applied to the relief of the poor of the parish. 
At a meeting of the Vestry, held April 4, 1868, it appear- 
ing that a long time might elapse before certain lands 
were sold, out of which said legacy could be realized, an 
offer of the executors to pay said legacy by two notes 
and drafts on James Wallace was accepted. It was also 
resolved that when said paper was lifted the proceeds be 
invested in a lot purchased from A. J. Beatty for rectory 



128 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

purposes, that said fund be a lien on said lot, and that 
collections be taken sufficient to bring $80 per year 
(afterwards reduced to $40), and applied to the relief of 
the parish poor. 

Mr. Andrews having gone to Europe, Joseph Means 
was elected Vestryman in his place in 1868, and Messrs. 
Blinn and Wells attended convention. 

As we have before intimated the excess of ritual in 
Ohio had not heretofore been so marked as to attract 
very serious attention, but Bishop Mcllvaine had at last 
a concrete case before him, and proceeded solemnly to 
inform the convention that he had learned of certain do- 
ings in a parish, consisting of the following : 

At the opening of the Morning and Evening Prayer a pro- 
cession consisting of some fifteen boys and some men, all vested 
in surplices, is formed, which, entering the church at the front 
door, proceeds, singing as it advances, up the middle aisle, till 
it reaches the seats or stalls (so called) 'before the chancel, 
where the members of the procession find their appointed seats, 
the congregation being expected to stand until those choristers 
are seated, when the rector begins the sentences, etc. 

While the convention doubtless listened to this de- 
scription with interest, it does not seem to have created 
any special alarm, as the committee to which the subject 
was referred reported adversely to the adoption of any 
canon to suppress surpliced choirs. That was the last 
of the matter so far as legislation was concerned, but the 
Bishop did not relax his opposition, which made matters 
so unpleasant for the rector of St. Paul's Church, Colum- 
bus, where the offending services were held, that he 
resigned and removed to Eort Wayne, Ind. The choir 
was discontinued, but afterwards revived under more 
favorable auspices. 

Mr. Webb having resigned at St. James's on Novem- 
ber 1, 1867, Rev. Thomas K. Coleman was appointed, 
on December 20, 1868, who reported to the next year's 



NEW RECTORS. 129 

convention: "Children, but no baptisms; youth, but no 
confirmations; number of communicants, 25; no articles 
of association, no vestry elections or meetings, neither 
font, lectern nor communion table, offertory plates, sur- 
plice or gown; will resign in Autumn." 

Efforts were made during the summer to secure a 
rector for St. Paul's, but nothing was accomplished until 
September 2, when a call was extended to Rev. Andrew 
Hull, D.D., of Elmira, N. Y., who accepted, and took 
charge about a month later. Dr. Hull was a scholarly 
gentleman of the old school, somewhat advanced in years, 
a sound Churchman, but could hardly be called progres- 
sive. He had one son and a newly married wife. The 
rented rectory had been given up and the furniture 
stored, so the rector and his wife located in apartments, 
a portion of the time at Mrs. J. Zimmerman's residence 
on North High street, and later at Mrs. E. Wood's resi- 
dence, "The Grove." Bishop Bedell visited the parish on 
November 26 and confirmed six persons, among them 
the rector's wife. 

Removal of the general offices of the Steubenville 
and Indiana Railroad, then a part of the P., C. & C. R. 
R., to Pittsburgh, in 1869, necessitated the resignation 
of Mr. Scull as organist and choir director, a position 
which he had held for ten years. His salary had been 
fixed at $100 per year, but as the parish seemed to be in 
straitened circumstances during most of this period, he 
generously gave his services without compensation, occa- 
sionally, with the choir, visiting St. John's, West Vir- 
ginia, and St. James's. He was a composer of religious 
as well as secular music, and his compositions, although 
possibly not up to the severe Anglican type of the present 
day, were melodious and inspiring. W. H. McDonald, 
Miss M. Riley (afterwards Mrs. A. S. Doyle), Misses 
Sarah Kelly, Kate Doty and Lizzie Brosi, all singers of 



130 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

more than local reputation, rendered the services under 
his direction. He died in Pittsburgh on March 21, 1896, 
remembering his Ohio associations by a bequest of $2,000 
to diocesan missions. 

Mr. Scull was succeeded by R. Mason Jackson, a 
young musician of exceptional promise, who held that 
position until the autumn of 1871, when he went East, 
and in 1873 sailed for Europe to complete his musical 
education. Miss Brosi sailed on the same vessel with 
the same object. The romantic story of Mr. Jackson's 
position, afterwards obtained at the Court of Wurtem- 
berg, is familiar to many. 

The parish in 1869 reported 100 communicants and 
110 Sunday School scholars, with 15 teachers. The 
pews were declared free at evening service. Edward 
Reynolds was added to St. James's Vestry. 

Early in the year negotiations were begun for the 
purchase of a large tract with a two-story brick house 
thereon, at the corner of Slack street and Linden avenue, 
belonging to Gen. John S. Mason. The sale was finally 
consummated on December 18 for $4,000. The lot 
fronted 240 feet on Slack street and 188 on Linden ave- 
nue, with 167J"2 feet at the rear. It was intended to be 
the rectory, but Dr. Hull did not care to reside in it, and 
the following spring the property was platted into eight 
lots under the name of St. Paul's Church Addition, 
which were gradually sold at prices aggregating $7,081. 

Robert Mears died on January 22, 1869, leaving a 
legacy of $5,000 to St. Paul's, to be invested by the Ves- 
try, the income to be used towards the support of the 
rector, for which promissory notes of Thomas Mears 
were accepted the following year. 

The Sunday School was removed this year to the 
nave of the church, the infant department remaining in 
the basement under charge of Mrs. Hull. Communi- 



NEW RECTORS. 131 

cants, 100; Sunday School scholars, 110, with 15 teach- 
ers. Sixteen persons were confirmed by Bishop Bedell 
on October 24, and the Bishop visited St. James's the 
next day. 

An incident of the year was a visit from Rev. Mr. 
Laverty, who was gathering an infant congregation at 
Canton, Ohio, for which he received contributions aggre- 
gating something over $100. A similar contribution was 
made not many months after to the German mission in 
Cleveland. 

Vacancies caused by the removal of James Means 
and S. F. Scull to Pittsburgh were filled in 1870 by the 
election of Alexander Doyle and E. F. Andrews. Dr. 
Mitchell died on April 26, and Williami Day was ap- 
pointed Junior Warden, and William A. Walden, Ves- 
tryman. A. J. Beatty was the convention delegate, and 
James Brownlee was appointed sexton. Communicants, 
105 ; Sunday School scholars, 130, with 12 teachers. 

About this time a special effort was made to place 
Ascension parish, Wellsville, on a permanent foundation. 
The parish had been organized on September 5, 1863, 
but had maintained a precarious existence with a rented 
room for a place of worship. With enlargement of the 
railway shops and the coming of John Thomas, C. & P. 
R. R. Division Superintendent, who made Wellsville his 
home and headquarters, the congregation was encour- 
aged to purchase a lot in the lower part of the town and 
begin the erection of a neat frame church. Mr. Thomas 
acted as lay reader, and under his management an ex- 
cursion from Steubenville and intermediate points to 
Cleveland was carried out in the summer of 1870. There 
was a good attendance from the start, and towards noon 
two long trains rolled into Cleveland, carrying over 1,000 
excursionists. The net proceeds were over $2,000, 
which, with funds raised from other sources, enabled the 



132 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

church to be consecrated on October 2. Recently the 
semi-centennial, of the parish was celebrated with inter- 
esting ceremonies. 

The resignation of Mr. Coleman left St. James's 
without a rector, and the few services held appear to have 
been in private houses. 

Bishop Bedell visited St. Paul's on October 2, and 
confirmed 12, making 34 confirmations under Dr. Hull's 
administration. Seven were confirmed at St. James's, 
two having been confirmed at a previous date. 

Joseph Beatty and William Day were the conven- 
tion delegates in 1871, where the Bishop delivered the 
usual warnings against ritualism, with the usual effect. 

Dr. Hull having received a call to Christ Church, 
Montpelier, Vt., on May 15 tendered his resignation to 
the Vestry of St. Paul's, to take effect on Whitsunday 
following, the 28th. This was accepted with best wishes 
and commendation to his new field of labor. It being 
necessary that the Sunday School should have a super- 
intendent, Mr. Day was elected to that office, with W. R. 
Drake in charge of the primary department. Dr. Hull 
died a few years since. 

Rev. J. W. Cowpland, of Eastern Virginia, had 
come to Brooke County to take charge of the parishes 
there, to which he added that of St. James's, on May 21, 
1870. He was very far from what might be called an 
"advanced" Churchman, but it was manifest to him, 
when not a surplice was used in public worship, that 
there was a decadence that called for a remedy, and his 
restoration of the surplice in his three parishes has al- 
ready been related, 



CHAPTER XL 

A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 

Rev. Thomas D. Pitts Becomes Rector — Eloquent Preacher and 
Attractive Personality — Purchase of Rectory — Movement to 
Build a New Church Consummated — Last Services in the 
Old Building — Cornerstone Laying — Imposing Consecration 
Services — Description of the Structure. 

On November 20, 1871, St. Paul's Vestry extended 
a call to Rev. Thomas D. Pitts, then acting as professor 
of English literature in Racine College, Wis., to become 
rector of St. Paul's. Mr. Pitts came to Steubenville and 
officiated on the following Advent Sunday, when he made 
l most excellent impression both as a reader and preacher. 
Having returned the call to the Vestry, it was promptly 
renewed at a salary of $1,800 and accepted, he beginning 
his administrations here on Sunday, March 3, 1872, 
which event marked a decided forward movement in the 
parish. Mr. Pitts was a native of Baltimore, descended 
from an old Maryland family, was about 29 years of age, 
and possessed of a round, full voice and graceful mien. 
He was educated at St. James's College under Dr. J. B. 
Kerfoot, afterwards Bishop of Pittsburgh, and passed 
through the theological seminary at Nashotah, Wis. 
After his ordination he became assistant to Dr. Mahan, 
rector of St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, one of the 
ablest theologians of the American Church. From there 
he went to Racine College, accepting the chair of English 
literature under Dr. James De Koven, who was Warden 
of the institution. While at Racine he married Miss 
Canfield, an accomplished young lady, and daughter of 
General Canfield, a prominent officer in the Civil War. 
At his first service here the new rector announced weekly 



134 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

communion during the remaining Sundays of the Lenten 
season, and this was kept up throughout his rectorship 
during both Lent and Advent. When Mr. Pitts was or- 
dained priest at St. Paul's, Baltimore, the women of that 
parish presented him with a beautifully embroidered linen 
alb and chasuble, which he continued to use at all cele- 
brations of the Holy Eucharist, this being possibly the 
first parish in Ohio to restore the ancient vestments of the 
Church of England, as well as the ecclesiastical East- 
ward position. The attendance at services, which had 
considerably fallen off, increased very decidedly, chancel 
decorations the following Easter were exceptionally 
bright, and everybody felt encouraged. Bishop Bedell 
visited the parish on June 9, and confirmed 28. 

At the Easter election Joseph B. Doyle succeeded 
Mr. Walden on the Vestry, and was elected Secretary, 
holding that position, with an interval, until 1904. Messrs. 
Blinn and Joseph Beatty were convention delegates, and 
Rev. John Long, priest in charge at Wellsville, had been 
holding services at Irondale in the northern part of the 
county with some encouragement. 

It being necessary that the rector and his family 
should have a place to live, A. J. Beatty offered a lot on 
South Fifth street, on which had been erected a modern 
two-story frame dwelling, for $7,000. The lot had a 
stieet frontage of 110 feet 8 inches, with a depth of 
130^ feet. Funds for the purchase were to come from 
the $5,000 Mears legacy, the $1,000 Andrews legacy, and 
surplus from sale of the Slack street property. The Ves- 
try approved this arrangement, and the property was 
occupied the latter part of the year, but owing to delay 
in details, the deed was not made until February 9, 1874. 
The rent of the rectory was fixed at $300 per annum, 
making the salary of the rector $1,500 net. 

At the request of Trinity Church, Bellaire, the seats 





REV r . CHARLES GILLETTE. 



REV. ANDREW HULL. 





RKV. R. W. GRANGE. 



RT. REV. CHARLES D. WTLLTAMS. 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 135 

in the main portion of the basement were presented to 
that parish, and subsequently the church pulpit, which 
was replaced by a lectern corresponding to the prayer 
desk. 

While the project of a new church edifice was still 
in abeyance, the matter had not been entirely lost sight 
of, and at a meeting of the Vestry held on June 25 the 
rector was authorized to prepare pledges with the object 
of accumulating a fund for a new building. 

The sudden death of Hon. Joseph Means on July 1 
was a severe blow to the parish, and an extensive river 
excursion planned for Independence Day was abandoned. 

John Griffith, an employe of the P., C. & St. L. Ry. 
at Gould's Station, died in the early part of 1872, leaving 
his property, valued at $1,000, to St. Paul's. Cost of 
administration, especially attorney fees, cut this down to 
about $750, which was subsequently turned into the 
building fund. 

After the departure of R. M. Jackson, the latter part 
of 1871, J. B. Doyle, who had charge of the Sunday 
School music, and under whose administration the 
Hutchins Sunday School hymnal was introduced, ren- 
dered some volunteer service at the organ. On the in- 
stallation of the new rector, Prof. J. W. Schofield was 
appointed organist and choir director at $300 per year. 
The new church hymnal having been adopted at this time, 
the "Tucker" musical hymnal was procured for the choir. 
During the summer a new cabinet (Gerish) organ was 
purchased for the Sunday School, which is still in use for 
choir rehearsals, and subsequently an Estey organ for the 
primary department, which was in use for various pur- 
poses until quite recently. 

Pledges for the building fund for the first year 
amounted to $1,888.75, and at a meeting of the Vestry 
held on January 8, 1873, A. J. Beatty was created treas- 



136 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

urer of this fund, to which was ordered to be added any 
surplus that might accrue in the rectory fund. 

A marked event in the history of the diocese was the 
death of Bishop Mcllvaine, which occurred at Florence, 
Italy, on March 12, 1873. The remains were brought 
home via England, where they received distinguished 
honors, as well as on their arrival at New York, inter- 
ment being finally made at Cincinnati. That Bishop 
Mcllvaine was a man of more than ordinary ability and 
strong personality could not be gainsaid. Aristocratic 
in his appearance and manner, he attracted attention 
wherever he went. Much of his later years was spent in 
England, where, as an able preacher, he always received 
a warm welcome. But these traits were not always to 
the advantage of the Church in his diocese, and hard it 
was for any clergyman with whom he differed on point 
of doctrine or ritual. With the new life that was stirring 
the Church on both sides of the Atlantic he was not only 
out of sympathy, but regarded the so-called Oxford 
movement as the essence of all evil, which should be 
stamped out by every means at hand. His "Evidences 
of Christianity" was a standard publication, and his schol- 
arly essays were universally recognized, even under such 
titles as "No Priest, No Altar; No Sacrifice But Christ," 
and "Reasons for Refusing to Consecrate a Church Hav- 
ing An Altar." 

Bishop Bedell, who now succeeded to the charge of 
the entire diocese, belonged to the same school of Church- 
manship as Dr. Mcllvaine, but with a radical difference 
in temperament. In a letter the following year he depre- 
cates excess of ritual, but the persecution of parish priests 
who kept within the rubrics of the Prayer Book and the 
canons was at an end. With a gentleness of disposition 
that sought for peace, an artistic taste that could recog- 
nize the beautiful whether in form, color or sound, a 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 137 

melodious voice that almost made anthems of his prayers 
and sermons, and withal a polished Christian gentleman 
in the highest sense of the word, Bishop Bedell was al- 
ways welcome whether as an official visitor or otherwise. 
He lived to become a part of the movement which had 
been so discredited, and to march in procession with pleas- 
ure and satisfaction with the vested choir of his own 
cathedral to the beautiful marble altar now in the chapel 
of Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland. 

The vacancy in the Vestry, caused by the death oi 
Mr. Means, was filled by William R. Drake, and F. A. 
Wells, Joseph Beatty and James H. Blinn attended the 
convention of 1873. On Easter Day the Sunday School 
sang full choral Evensong, including the Psalter, and 
during the year about $700 was added to the building 
fund through the pledges. About this time the question 
of procuring another site for the proposed new church 
came up, and a committee was appointed which subse- 
quently reported adversely to any change. 

Mr. Pitts's fluency of speech and excellent command 
of English naturally made him popular as an orator, and 
early in his rectorship he was invited to deliver the ad- 
dress at the High School commencement exercises, then 
held in what was known as Gray & Garrett's hall. Like 
all his efforts, this was a finished and scholarly produc- 
tion, based on the well-known stanza from Tennyson's 
"In Memoriam :" 

I held it truth with him who sings 
To one clear harp in divers tones. 
That men may rise on stepping stones 

Of their dead selves to higher things. 

Prof. Schofield having retired from charge of the 
choir. Miss Dwight was appointed organist, who, with 
the assistance of Miss Putnam, held that position for 



138 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

about two years, when Miss Sarah Kells succeeded until 
after the building of the new church. On November 2 
fourteen were confirmed, and two at St. James's. 

Charles Gallagher succeeded Mr. Andrews on the 
Vestry in 1874, and the convention delegates were Wil- 
liam Day and J. B. Doyle. The important matter before 
that body, which met at Gambier, was the division of the 
diocese, which had now become a necessity. Several 
propositions were before the convention, one of which 
was to divide the northern half of the state into two dio- 
ceses with Cleveland and Toledo as the see cities, the 
southern half to be a third diocese. Offers were made to 
endow each of the northern dioceses to the extent of 
$25,000. but this plan failed to carry, and the convention 
settled down to an east and west line dividing the state 
into two nearly equal parts. The first proposition was to 
locate Jefferson County in the southern diocese, which 
would have placed Steubenville 270 miles from the see 
city (Cincinnati), and the arrangement was objectiona- 
ble in other respects. At the protest of the St. Paul's 
delegation this was remedied, and the line dividing the 
two dioceses was drawn along the southern boundary of 
the counties of Jefferson, Harrison, Tuscarawas, Coshoc- 
ton, Knox, Morrow, Marion, Union, Logan, Shelby, 
Auglaize and Mercer. The northern section retained 
the old name, the other adopting the title of Southern 
Ohio. Bishop Bedell announced that in the future his 
official residence would be in Cleveland, where Trinity 
Church subsequently became the diocesan cathedral. 
Gambier is geographically in the northern diocese, but 
the southern diocese until recently retained an equal con- 
trol in the institutions located there. 

Robert Spear, who died on July 25, bequeathed 
$500 to the building fund in addition to a Northern Pa- 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 139 

cific Railway $500 bond previously donated. On Decem- 
ber 29, twenty-one were confirmed. 

On March 10, 1875, the rector and Vestry made an 
important change in the manner of raising revenue for 
current expenses by adopting what was known as the 
pledge and envelope system of weekly contributions, and 
declaring the pews free. The new plan went into opera- 
tion on April 1 following, the members of the congrega- 
tion generally retaining their former seats. As this in- 
terfered with a similar arrangement in regard to the 
building fund, and the dull times following the panic of 
1873 beginning to have their effect, additional pledges 
for the latter fund were abandoned for the time being. 
Joseph Beatty and William Day attended convention. 
Communicants reported, 148 ; Sunday School scholars, 
175, with 14 teachers. Encouraging reports were made 
from St. James's, where Rev. J. W. Cowpland was doing 
efficient work. 

A. J. Beatty was struck by a locomotive in October, 
from which his death subsequently resulted, and on De- 
cember 7 James Means was appointed to fill his place on 
the Vestry, and Charles Gallagher was afterwards ap- 
pointed treasurer of the building fund. 

Mr. Cowpland gave up St. James's Church on June 
15, 1875, after a successful rectorship of over five years, 
and was subsequently stationed at Ward, Pa. He was 
succeeded by Rev. Jacob Rambo, of Bellaire, and subse- 
quently by Rev. James Hillyar, of Dennison. The dis- 
tance at which these clergymen resided from their charge 
was a great hindrance to any efficient pastoral work. 
Mr, Brewster took charge in 1880, but remained only a 
short time. Afterwards services were rendered some- 
what irregularly by Mr. Grange, the rector of St. Paul's. 

On April 23, 1876, a class of twenty-six was con- 
firmed at St. Paul's, and on July 4 a centennial service 



&i& &&&&1 



140 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

was held in the early morning, William H. McDonald 
and others composing the choir. The Bishop visited 
Eastern Ohio again in the fall, confirming one at St. 
Paul's on November 3, and one at St. James's the next 
day. Later the rector delivered a lecture on "Florida," 
with Miss Lizzie Brosi as vocalist, at which quite a sum 
was realized for repairs to the rectory. The women also 
provided funds for new vestments and organ repairs. 
Subsequently the matter of moving the organ and choir 
from the gallery to the side of the chancel was considered, 
but after some weeks experimenting and consideration 
it was decided to make no change for the present. 

At the Easter election, 1877, William Dougherty 
succeeded Mr. Drake on the Vestry, and he, with Joseph 
Beatty, attended the convention that and the following 
year. The treasurer of the building fund reported the 
face value of assets in his possession at $7,875.07. 
Pledges for parish support showed a decrease, and an 
effort was made to remedy this. There was a confirma- 
tion class of seventeen on April 15, and communicants 
reported to convention numbered 183, the highest figure 
yet reached. 

At a meeting of the Vestry on September 5 a letter 
from the rector was read, tendering his resignation to 
take effect on December 1 following, for the reason that 
the health of his family compelled him to spend the win- 
ter in the South. No action was taken at that time, but 
after a personal conference the resignation was accepted 
on the 19th. On October 3, a petition was presented, 
signed by numerous members of the congregation, asking 
that the previous action be reconsidered, and that leave 
of absence be granted the rector for such time as he de- 
sired, and that some person be engaged to conduct serv- 
ices in his absence. The vote was reconsidered and the 
resignation withdrawn. Rev. George May, of Frostburg, 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 141 

Md., visited the parish the following Sunday, but no per- 
manent arrangement was made with him. On Novem- 
ber 7 the Vestry formally declined to accept the resigna- 
tion, and granted the rector leave of absence without sal- 
ary for six months, beginning December 1. This was 
accepted, and arrangement made with Rev. A. J. Brock- 
way, of the diocese of Albany, now of Pierrepont Manor, 
N. Y., to take charge of the parish at $20 per week. The 
rector also proposed that on his return his salary be fixed 
at $25 per week, which was done. In compliance with 
the canon a minimum payment of 10 cents per week reg- 
ularly for the preceding six months was subsequently 
fixed as a qualification for voting at parish elections. 

As has been related, the parish of St. Paul's was in- 
corporated in 1825. However, the record of the original 
incorporation could not be found, and, as the building of 
a new church w r as in prospect, with possibility of legal 
questions growing out of contracts, etc., it was decided 
as a precautionary measure to reincorporate. Under an 
act of the legislature this was done on Easter Monday, 
April 22, 1878, the Articles of Association being signed 
by Joseph B. Doyle, Charles Gallagher, William Dough- 
erty, J. M. Brownlee, J. M. Barclay and J. B. Wells. 
Several years ago the original record of incorporation 
was found in the Probate Court, so the action in 1878 
may be regarded as superfluous. 

The salary of the organist was fixed on May 1 at 
$125 ; she to furnish the blower at her own expense. 
Building fund assets were reported at $8,454.75. Joseph 
Beatty and William Dougherty attended convention. 
Four were confirmed on October 28, and the Central 
Convocation met here the next day. 

Early in 1878 the matter of repairs to the church 
edifice coming up, the question arose whether it was ad- 
visable to spend any more money on the old building or 



142 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

make a decided move towards erecting a new structure 
more suited to the needs of the congregation. While the 
country was still suffering from business depression, 
making it difficult to raise a large fund, yet the cost of 
labor and material was exceptionally low, and the con- 
clusion was reached that now was the time to take a defi- 
nite step forward. At a meeting of the Vestry held on 
July 11, the rector read some letters in reference to plans 
for a new building, and George W. Hewitt, architect, of 
Philadelphia, was requested to furnish a pencil sketch of 
said building, to seat 500 people, and cost about $15,- 
000. The sketch shortly after arrived, and in the main 
was approved, with some material changes. Instead of 
a wooden spire as originally proposed, one of stone was 
substituted, the chancel terminating in an apse instead of 
being square, black walnut adopted instead of pine for 
wainscotting, marble steps and tiling for chancel instead 
of wood, with other minor changes. 

On September 11, the rector and Messrs. Dougherty, 
Day, Doyle, Doty and Means were appointed a commit- 
tee to solicit funds, which two weeks later reported 
$5,374 subscribed, with more in prospect. As this with 
assets already in hand made a fund of $15,000, it was 
decided to go ahead with the work. Another month was 
consumed in securing working plans, etc., when proposals 
were asked for constructing the completed building ex- 
cept the stained glass windows, heating apparatus, plumb- 
ing and gas fixtures, chancel and entrance tiling. The 
contractor was also to raze the old church, using there- 
from such material as should be acceptable, reserving to 
the congregation all the furniture, including pews, organ, 
bell, gas pipe and fixtures, heating apparatus, chancel 
window and stained glass emblems. 

The contract was awarded on November 7 to Rob- 
ert Hyde for $15,637, and a building committee ap- 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 143 

pointed consisting of Mesrs. Dougherty, Means and Doty, 
to supervise the work. The contractor was to be given 
possession of the church lot on March 1 following, and 
the new building to be completed by November 1, 1879. 
The firm of Archer, Boal & Co. became sub-contractors 
for the stone work, and Barthold Bros, the plastering, 
making the somewhat unusual record of all the principal 
contracting parties being members of the parish. The 
outside material was to be native sandstone, and by ar- 
rangement between the contracting parties temporary 
sheds were erected, and work of stone cutting began at 
once and continued throughout the winter. 

The women's society, never wearying of doing good, 
had already raised a considerable sum intended for chapel 
purposes, but when it became apparent that the erection 
and proper furnishing of the new church would more 
than absorb the money provided for that purpose they 
generously agreed to turn over their assets into the gen- 
eral fund, and to further increase the same. This fund, 
with the assistance of a Thanksgiving fair and dinner 
held at the Sixth street armory in 1878, and a bazaar 
held in the uncompleted church building in December, 
1879, brought the fund up to about $3,000, which was 
appropriated to the erection of the tower, that structure 
being a monument to the self-denying efforts of the 
women. The Sunday School also contributed $200 to 
the building fund, and a balance of $363.87 in the Church 
Acre fund was transferred to the same. 

The last marriage in the old church was that of 
Charles M. Rhodes and Mary G. Beatty on February 25, 
and the last baptism that of Harry Sullivan Pitts, third 
son of the rector, on March 2, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bar- 
clay and J. B. Doyle, sponsors. The last funeral was 
that of Miss Eliza Boggs on December 17, 1878. 

The last services in the old church were held on 



144 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

March 9, 1879, and the building was crowded both morn- 
ing and evening by those who had been baptized, con- 
firmed and received the Holy Communion within its 
sacred walls. Notwithstanding the prospect of better 
things, a note of sadness prevailed at the severance of 
associations reaching back in the hearts of the older mem- 
bers for nearly half a century. The Holy Eucharist was 
celebrated in the morning, and in the evening the rector 
preached a historical sermon on "The Old Church and 
Its Work," in which he pictured the workings of the law 
of development in inorganic and organic nature as well 
as in society, in which the old and worse constantly gives 
way to the better. After a brief historical summary, he 
said : 



I have been rector here just seven years, and in that time 
I have seen so many changes of pastoral relations among all 
the denominations that to-day I stand the oldest settled minis- 
ter, by three or four years, of any in Steubenville who claim 
that name and office. It does not, in my judgment, speak very 
well for either ministers or congregations. 

The law of development has been well exemplified by this 
parish. From a small beginning and a precarious existence it 
has advanced to a position of influence and assured stability. 
During the sixty years since its organization eleven hundred 
and sixty-four persons have been baptized. Five hundred and 
seventeen have received the Holy Ghost through the laying on 
of Apostolic hands in the solemn rite of Confirmation. There 
have been about eight hundred and twenty-five regular com- 
municants of the parish; two hundred and sixty-four couples 
have been united in holy matrimony, and six hundred and fif- 
teen funerals have been attended. 

Of the total number of services held in this building, I 
have no means of judging, but I have officiated in it over one 
thousand times. The amount of money, too, collected and ex- 
pended in so long a time cannot be arrived at with any degree 
of exactness, but during my rectorship we have expended for 
all purposes, including the prospective cost of the proposed new 
church, the money for which is almost all provided — nearly 
fifty thousand dollars. 

The sermon concluded with a prophetic view of the 









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REV. THOMAS D. PITTS. 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 145 

work to be accomplished by the new church in the future, 
and an eloquent peroration. 

The closing hymn was sung, the final prayers said, and 
the benediction pronounced; the last voluntary played, 
and the feet of the worshippers turned away from the 
old house which had been their religious home for so 
many years. 

Work of dismantling began the following morning, 
and in a few days the ancient structure had entirely dis- 
appeared. Arrangements had already been perfected to 
hold services at Philharmonic (now Elks') hall, on South 
Fourth street, but after a few weeks, this having been 
found inconvenient, the county court room was secured, 
and occupied on Sunday mornings until the new church 
was ready. At the Easter election J. M. Barclay and C. 
B. Doty succeeded Messrs. Blinn and Bustard, Mr. Bar- 
clay attending the convention. 

Sufficient progress had been made in the work of 
construction to announce the laying of the cornerstone of 
the new church on May 13. Accordingly on the after- 
noon of that day the following clergy vested at the resi- 
dence of David Myers, a few doors north of the church, 
and marched to the platform which had been arranged 
for them and the choir : Rt. Rev. G. T. Bedell, Rev. J. 
W. Brown, of Trinity Church Cleveland, afterwards rec- 
tor of St. Thomas's Church, New York ; Rev. Mr. Meach, 
of Christ Church, Allegheny; Rev. Mr. Buchanan, of 
Christ Church, Wellsburg; Rev. R. R. Swope, St. Math- 
thew's Church, Wheeling; Rev. Mr. Hillyar, of Dennison, 
and Rev. T. D. Pitts, rector. Services opened by singing 
Hymn No. 101 from the Prayer Book collection, "And 
Wilt Thou, O Eternal God," being the same that was 
sung at the laying of the cornerstone of the old church. 
The rector then placed within a cavity cut in the stone a 
glass jar containing a copy of the Holy Bible, Book of 



146 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Common Prayer, list of parish officers and building com- 
mittee, convention journal of 1878, Spirit of Missions 
for May, 1878, copies of "Churchman," "Standard of the 
Cross," "St. Luke's (Marietta) Chronicle," Steubenville 
"Herald" and "Gazette," specimen of each denomination 
of fractional currency, and a dime of 1831 from the old 
church. Bishop Bedell advanced with a mallet, and, 
striking the stone three times, pronounced it laid in the 
name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, followed by 
collects and the Lord's Prayer. A scholarly address was 
delivered by Dr. Brown, concluding with a graphic por- 
trayal of a vision of Dr. Morse, the venerable rector, who 
from his rest in Paradise could now behold the fruition 
of the work so faithfully carried on by him during so 
many years. The Bishop followed with some well chosen 
remarks, and after singing "I Love Thy Kingdom, 
Lord," the exercises were concluded by the recital of the 
Apostles' Creed and benediction. 

Additional subscriptions to the building fund of $780 
were made during the summer, a boat excursion by the 
young men netted over $100, and the women were kept 
busy. A neat sum was also realized from lectures on 
Mahomet by the rector. The stonework was accepted on 
November 16, and the first service was held in the new 
church on Easter Day, March 28, 1880, being the regu- 
lar service for that festival. 

The following Thursday, April 1, was fixed for the 
consecration service, and shortly after 11 o'clock, while 
the strains of the organ filled the building, the Wardens 
and Vestrymen assembled in the Vestry room, and 
proceeded down the main aisle to the west end of the 
church. The Bishop and other clergy having vested in 
the sexton's house, marched to the west door, which, be- 
ing opened, they entered, and the entire procession moved 
towards the chancel repeating responsively the XXIV 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 147 

Psalm. The clergy beside the Bishop and rector included 
Rev. N. S. Rulison, St. Paul's Church, Cleveland; Rev, 
G, W Hinkle, Grace Church; Rev. J. A. Bolles, Trinity 
Church ; Rev. W. C. and W. B. French, editors "Stand- 
ard of the Cross;" Rev. R. B. Swope, St. Matthew's, 
Wheeling; Rev. A. J. Brockway, Grace, Ravenna; Rev. 
J. A. Hillyar, St. Barnabas, Dennison; Rev. Stewart 
.Means, Middletown, Ohio; Rev. S. T. Brewster, St 
James's, Cross Creek ; Rev. Samuel Maxwell, St. John's, 
Youngstown; Rev. A. Buchanan, Christ Church, Wells- 
burg. 

After private devotions the secretary, on behalf of 
the Wardens and Vestry, read the following request for 
consecration : 



We, the Church-wardens and Vestrymen of St. Paul's 
Church.. City of Steubenville, County of Jefferson and State of 
Ohio, haying by the good providence of Almighty God, erected 
in the said city a house of Public Worship, do hereby appro- 
priate and devote the same to the worship and service of Al- 
mighty God, the Father, the Son. and the Holy Ghost, accord- 
ing_ to the provisions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
United States of America, in its Ministry, Doctrines, Liturgy, 
Rites and Usages, and by a Congregation in communion with 
said Church, and in union with the Convention thereof in the 
Diocese of Ohio. 

And we do hereby certify that the said house and the 
ground on which it is erected, have been and are fully paid for, 
and are owned by said Parish in fee simple, and are free from 
any lien or incumbrance whatever, and by the deed under 
which the same are now owned and held, are inalienably secured 
to and for the use of those who profess and practice the doc- 
trines,, discipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church in the United States of America, except in such cases 
as are provided in and by the canon in such case made and pro- 
vided. 

And we do also hereby request the Right Reverend Greg- 
ory Thurston Bedell, D.D., Bishop of the Said Diocese, to take 
the said building under his spiritual jurisdiction as Bishop afore- 
said, and that of his successors in office, and to consecrate the 
same by the name of St. Paul's Church, Steubenville, and 
thereby separate it from all unhallowed, worldly and common 
uses, and solemnly dedicate it to the holy purposes above men- 
tioned. 



148 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 



And we do moreover hereby relinquish all claim to any 
right of disposing of the said building, or allowing of the use of 
it in any way inconsistent with the terms and the meaning of 
this Instrument of Donation, and with the consecration hereby 
requested by the Bishop of this Diocese. 

In testimony whereof, _ We. the said Church-wardens and 
Vestrymen, have caused this Instrument of Donation to have 
attached to it the seal of our Corporation, and the signatures 
of the Presiding Officers and Clerk of a meeting duly convened 
on this thirty-first day of March in the year of our Lord, one 
thousand eight hundred and eighty. 

[Signed] TH'OS. D. PITTS, Rector. 

JOSEPH B. DOYLE, Secretary. [Seal] 

The exhortation and prayer of consecration fol- 
lowed, when the Bishop presented the certificate of con- 
secration, which was read by the rector : 

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. 

Whereas, The Rector, Church-wardens and Vestrymen of 
Saint Paul's Church in Steubenville, Jefferson County and State 
of Ohio, have, by an instrument this day presented to me, ap- 
propriated and devoted a house of public worship erected by 
them in the said city to the worship and service of Almighty 
God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, according to the 
provisions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United 
States of America, in its Ministry, Doctrines, Liturgy, Rites and 
Usages, and by a congregation in communion with said Church 
and in union with the convention thereof in the Diocese of Ohio. 

And Whereas, The same Rector, Church-wardens and 
Vestrymen have, by the same instrument, requested me to take 
their said house of worship under my spiritual jurisdiction as 
Bishop of the Diocese of Ohio, and that of my successors in 
office, and to consecrate it by the name of Saint Paul's Church, 
and thereby separate it from all unhallowed, worldly and com- 
mon uses, and solemnly dedicate it to the holy purposes above 
mentioned. 

Now therefore, know all men by these presents, that I, 
Gregory Thurston Bedell, D.D., by Divine permission Bishop 
of the Diocese of Ohio, acting under the protection of Almighty 
God, have on this first day of April in the year of our Lord, 
1880, taken the above mentioned house of worship under my 
spiritual jurisdiction as Bishop aforesaid, and that of my suc- 
cessors in office, and in the presence of divers of the Clergy 
and a public congregation therein assembled, and according to 
the form prescribed by the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
United States of America, have consecrated the same by the 
name of Saint Paul's Church. 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 149 

And I do hereby pronounce and declare, that the said 
Saint Paul's Church is consecrated accordingly, and thereby 
separated henceforth from all unhallowed, worldly and common 
uses, and dedicated to the Worship and Service of Almighty 
God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for reading and 
preaching His Holy Word, for celebrating His Holy Sacra- 
ments, for offering to His Glorious Majesty the sacrifices of 
Prayer. Praise and Thanksgiving, for blessing His people in 
His Name, and for the performance of all other Holy Offices, 
agreeably to the terms of the Covenant of Grace in our Lord 
and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and according to the provisions of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of Amer- 
ica, in its Ministry, Doctrines, Liturgy, Rites and Usages. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my Seal and 
Signature in the City of Steubenville on the day and in the year 
above written and in the twenty-first year of my consecration. 

G. T. BiEDELL. 

[Seal] 

At the conclusion of this paper Matins and the Pro 
Anaphora were conducted as follows: 

Sentences and exhortation, Mr. Rulison; LXXXIV. 
Psalm, Mr. Brewster; CXXII. Psalm, Mr. Buchanan; 
CXXXIL Psalm, W. B. French; First Lesson, Mr. 
Means; Second Lesson, Mr. Brockway; Nicene Creed, 
Mr. Swope; Prayers, Mr. Hinkle; 278th Hymn, "I'll 
Wash My Hands in Innocence'' (Hymnal of 1874), Mr. 
Pitts; Decalogue, W. C. French; Collects, the Bishop; 
Epistle, Mr. Hillyar; Gospel, Dr. Bolles; 277th Hymn, 
"With One Consent" (1874 edition), Mr. Pitts. 

The music was rendered by a quartette composed of 
Misses Blinn and Moodey and Messrs. Sharpe and 
Faunce, Miss Kells at the organ, and included : Venite, 
Danks; Glorias, Meinike; Te Deum, Scull; Benedictus, 
Mellor; Offertory, Millard. 

It had been the intention that Dr. James de Koven, 
of Racine, should preach the consecration sermon, but 
during the winter of 1878-9 he slipped on an icy side- 
walk, breaking a leg. Unexpected complications fol- 
lowed, resulting in his death on March 19, 1879, and 
Bishop Bedell became the preacher in his place. Always 



150 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

a master of English, elegant in diction and eloquent in 
speech, the Bishop's sermon on this occasion was a mas- 
terpiece of reverent as well as brilliant oratory. The text 
was from St. John's gospel, XII., 4 and 5, "Then saith 
one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which 
should betray Him, 'Why was not this ointment sold for 
three hundred pence and given to the poor?' " 

Summarizing the Bishop's remarks, he declared that 
the essence of consecration was the spirit of love and sac- 
rifice. God looks at the gift through the heart of the 
giver, and it is the flavor of love which satisfies, and not 
the gift which that love prompts. Love and sacrifice are 
at the door of every consecration to assert the sacrifices 
of every true giver. In this church the architect has 
spoken the truth, and the truth is in its solid walls and 
carpentry, while on its spire, than which a more graceful 
one he had never seen, was the cross preaching evangel- 
ically that there is but one road to Heaven, and that leads 
to the foot of the cross. 

God notices the great and the small, the doors of the 
morning swing on their hinges at his bidding, and He 
considers the smallest lens in the insect's eye; and the 
gifts of the great are no more than those of the small. 
Gifts need not be small, however, to be acceptable to God, 
and the greater the cost, if attended by commensurate 
sacrifice, the greater will be their worth. The widow's 
mite, however, was not a widow's mite when the rich 
woman gave ten thousand mites and did not miss it ; nor 
was any account taken of the $100 given by a man who 
could, without sacrifice, give $1,000. His gift was most 
acceptable who gave $10 when $5 was more than he could, 
afford. 

Our churches should be beautiful. They might be 
like barns and log houses in the wilderness when all was 
in keeping, but in cities where people lived in handsome 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 151 

houses and looked ever to personal convenience and com- 
fort it was wrong not to have a house given to the Lord 
which was a worthy gift. 

The Bishop gave a vivid description of the structure 
and its appointments, and urged his hearers to use it con- 
stantly, not merely for the sacraments and stated public 
services, but make it their home, here solemnize their 
marriages, and from here bury their dead. He likened 
the building and its furnishings to the Christian and his 
work and way through life, and proceeded to show the 
antiquity of the Church, its relation to the world, and its 
influence. The Holy Spirit of Christ was over and 
through and in it all; it rang out on the chimes of the 
heart the changes of the kingdom, and fired the coals on 
the altar of the soul. The Church was simple because it 
was divine, and adapted itself to all grades and classes. 
It changed in peoples and countries, temperatures and 
temperaments, applying everywhere and to every mian, 
but it was always the same in spirit. It was tolerant to 
the limit of value as a Church influence, for Christian 
charity taught toleration, but there was a line between 
the Church and what was outside, and that line should be 
observed, and it was better to be on the right side of that 
line The strength of the Church depends upon fidelity to 
the Gospel, the divinity of Christ, and the adherence to 
the principles of the atonement. The Church is the ag- 
gregate of the highest complete education, and is the pro- 
moter of progress and civilization. It is the conservator 
of religion, of morals and of the State, and it watches 
science and adjusts its discoveries so that they will con- 
form to religion. There is a strong link between morals 
and religion, and the separation preached by sceptics is 
not possible. God forces nothing. He waits now in His 
Kingdom for man to work out his own free will. The 
Church is the Devil's battleground, and the constant 



152 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

struggle is what develops the strength of the Church, and 
makes it strong to overcome. 

The Bishop congratulated the rector and Vestry 
upon the completion of this work and the magnificent 
success which, under God's providence, they had accom- 
plished. He invoked his blessing upon this finished work 
for all time to come, and closed with the usual ascription. 

The altar was decorated for this service by a beauti- 
ful floral cross, the gift of the Women's Society, flowers 
in the vases being presented by Harry L. Doty. Joseph 
Beatty, J. H. Timberlake, Frank McKinney, Charles 
Dougherty, and Joseph W. Boisol acted as ushers, and 
after the close of the service many remained to admire 
the beauties of the building. 

The first marriage in the new church took place at 
3 p. m., the contracting parties being Rev. S. L. Brew- 
ster and Miss Anna L. Dohrman, the Bishop performing 
the ceremony. 

The Central Convocation meeting was held in the 
evening with sermon by Rev. Dr. Rulison, and the con- 
secration ceremonies were concluded the next morning 
by administration of the Holy Communion, the Bishop 
being the celebrant. 

As previously stated, the church edifice is built of 
native sandstone, and throughout, including the furnish- 
ings, represents the best product of local handicraft. It 
will comfortably seat five hundred persons, and is mainly 
Early English or thirteenth century style of architecture 
with the chancel windows of the following century or 
Decorated order. It was almost exactly a year in build- 
ing, and no serious accident occurred during its construc- 
tion. The building is orientated so as to place the altar 
at the east end geographically as well as ecclesiastically, 
and with the tower and organ chamber (at first the rob- 
ing room) also placed at that end the rock face and bold 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 153 

outlines present an appearance of impressiveness and 
solidity which is not dissipated on closer examination. 
The extreme length of the church proper is 118 feet, and 
the outside width, including the buttresses and alcove on 
the north side about sixty. The stone tower and spire 
rise to a height of 114 feet, terminating in a six-foot 
metal gilded cross. When this cross was placed in posi- 
tion the arms were parallel with Fourth street, 19 degrees 
east of north, but it has gradually veered around until it 
points practically north and south. This gives rise to 
the query as to whether the earth's magnetic current has 
been strong enough to effect this change. In 1892 the 
spire was struck by lightning and some of the stonework 
cracked, but having no apparent effect on the cross. The 
tower foundation, which is a solid mass of stone and con- 
crete, goes down about twenty feet, and the structure is 
quite able to sustain a full set of chimes, which, it is 
hoped, will some day find there a home. The church has 
three main entrances, one through the tower from Fourth 
stieet, one through the porch on Adams street, and one 
from the parish house on the west. There was also a 
door into the sacristy and thence to Fourth street, since 
closed by the organ. On the north side is an alcove 6x30 
feet intended originally to accommodate choir and organ, 
the latter filling the western bay, allowing roomi for a 
quartette only in front, but afterwards moved to the east 
bay and a choir platform placed in the northeast corner 
of the church, and occupied by a double quartette. The 
roof is steep and slated, with a ventilating ridge along the 
top, originally ornamented with gilded tips. The nave 
is 85x44 feet inside, the open timbered ceiling rising to a 
height of 46 feet, of yellow pine finished in natural color 
with purlins and principal rafters exposed, and the cham- 
fers colored in carmine. Black walnut highly polished is 
used in the wainscotting, vestibules, etc., the pews being 



15 1 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

of white walnut with black tops and ends, and furnished 
with crimson cushions. Scarlet cloth relieved by metal 
trimmings covers the inside doors, which hang on spring 
hinges, and the floor is covered by red carpet. The orig- 
inal chancel was 23x26 feet, tiled in proper designs, as 
are also the entrances. It was approached by three mar- 
ble steps with clergy stalls and carved pulpit of black 
walnut. 

The altar, of chestnut, was a present from some of 
the members of St. John's Church, Wheeling, which had 
gone out of existence. Its blue gothic panels contain gilt 
ecclesiastical designs, including Alpha and Omega with 
crowns and I. H. S. The sentence, "Holy, Holy, Holy, : ' 
relieves the front of the super altar. The original fur- 
nishings of the altar included gilt alms basin, vases, lec- 
tern and service book, gifts of H. L. Doty, subsequently 
memorial cross to Mr. Gillette by same ; Eucharistic can- 
dlesticks by Mrs. J. M. Barclay in memory of her hus- 
band ; vesper lights in memory of Mr. Pitts, and sanctus 
bell have been added later. The credence table is formed 
from the marble mensa of the altar in the old church, 
and is supported by a pair of walnut brackets. On the 
north or gospel side of the altar is an elegant black wal- 
nut bishop's chair, terminating in a mitre, and uphol- 
stered with crimson velvet. It was exhibited by J. and 
R Lamb at the Centennial exhibition of 1876 as a speci- 
men of their best work, and was given as a thank offer- 
ing by Edmund Yard, of New York, through William 
Dougherty, of Steubenville. A polished brass rail, ele- 
vated one step, divides the sanctuary and choir. At the 
entrance to the chancel stands a brass eagle lectern, being 
at the time it was made probably the finest piece of work 
of the kind in the country, given by Mrs. William Dough- 
erty as a memorial to her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Purcell 
Peters, who entered into rest on September 10, 1879. 




NEW ST. PAUL'S, BUILT 1879-80. 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 155 

The eagle is supported by a standard on which are en- 
graved the emblems of the four evangelists, the whole 
being six and one-half feet high, and resting on four 
biazen lions. Hanging bookmarks of white silk with 
gold filagree crosses from Geneva, Italy, were presented 
by Miss Collet, of Burlington, N. J., as a memorial to 
M W. C. Barcley. The Bible used at that time was from 
the old church, but on October 27, 1898, Mr. and Mrs. 
William Huscroft presented the present magnificent vol- 
ume as a memorial of their son, Charles. Quite a num- 
ber of valuable altar, lectern and pulpit hangings were 
presented by Mr. Doty, and fresh ones have been added 
from time to time by the altar chapter. 

Between the main or Fourth street entrance and the 
chancel steps was placed the font, made of Caen stone 
imported for that purpose, and carved by William J. 
Archer as a gift to the church. The bowl of the font is 
an octagon, and on the sides are cut in relief I. H. S., a 
sheaf of wheat, bunch of grapes, dove, lamb, rosettes and 
other designs with an ivy vine below. Two children of 
Mr. Archer were the first to be baptized in this font, on 
May 16, 1880. H. L. Doty presented the cover, and the 
font remained in its original position until the summer 
of 1912, when, by reason of alterations in the chancel, it 
was removed to a small baptistery on the north side of 
the church, where a lantern was placed by Mrs. M. A. 
Timherlake in memory of her mother. A brass ewer and 
silver shell were presented by Mrs. Mary Wetherald. 

Prominent on the east wall on either side of the 
chancel are two life-size figures in oil, painted by E. F. 
Andrews, the well-known artist. They represent St. John 
the Baptist and St. Paul, respectively, and are the joint 
gift of Mr. Andrews and James Means. On the west 
wall is a mural tablet in memory of Dr. John Andrews. 

The church is lighted by eleven double lancet win- 



150 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

dows on the sides, three in chancel with quartrefoil, two 
wide lancets and twelve-foot rose window in west end, 
and two lighting respectively the sacristy and baptistery. 
The chancel windows represent scenes in the life of St. 
Paul, his conversion, preaching on Mars Hill, and the 
trial before Agrippa. In the medallions above are a pair 
of crossed swords, Agnus Dei over the altar, and the 
Holy Spirit represented by a dove. The first mentioned 
window is a memorial to A. J. Beatty and wife, the cen- 
tral one to Rev. Intrepid Morse, and the third to Hon. 
Joseph Means and wife. The southwest window is a 
copy of Thorwaldsen's "Night," representing the flight 
of an angel over a sleeping city with the figure of a little 
child in its arms, and is a memorial to Emma Glenn, lit- 
tle daughter of James Means. This window has a some- 
what curious history. Bishop Leonard visited the parish 
on Sunday, morning, May 29, 1892. The number of 
communicants was large, and in addition to the regular 
communion silver there was used a private set given by 
Misses Annie and Sarah S. Scull as a memorial to the 
former's mother. This was inadvertently left in the sac- 
risty, the present organ chamber, and the clergy with 
others went that afternoon to St. James's, Cross Creek. 
There was no evening service, and during the night the 
window last above described was broken, and a thief en- 
tered the church, and carried off the communion set, which 
was never recovered. It was replaced by a similar memo- 
rial set from the Harden family. The window was injured 
beyond repair, and was replaced by the present one. The 
other west lancet reproduces Holman Hunt's celebrated 
painting, "The Light of the World," the original of which 
is in the chapel of Keble College, Oxford, with a replica 
in St. Paul's Cathedral, London. It is a memorial to 
James Means, Sr., and wife. In the centre of the rose 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 157 

window is a head of St. Paul, from Raphael, and the 
tower entrance is lighted by a mosaic lancet with I. H. S. 
at the top. Two of the double side lancets are rilled with 
full length figures of the four evangelists, and are memo- 
rials to Joseph and Elizabeth Beatty, Sr., George Beatty, 
Jane Beatty, Jane and Sarah Spencer. All of these win- 
dows were placed in position before the church was con- 
secrated. They were promptly followed by others, the 
first being the centre double lancet on the south side as a 
memorial to John B. and Sarah Doyle by her son and 
grandson. The figures were taken from steel engravings 
in an old Prayer Book, the first representing Christ in 
the garden of Gethsemane, underneath being the words, 
"Thy Will Be Done." The other has the words, 
"Christus Resurrexit" beneath the Roman soldiers and 
the rising Saviour. Above are the crown of thorns and 
crossed keys. The next was near the front entrance and 
was a memorial to Charles B. Doty and his sister, Mrs. 
B. Leonard Doty Johnson. A figure of Faith with cross 
graces the first lancet, and Hope with anchor the second. 
East of the south porch are two lancets to Alexander and 
Jane Lowry Doyle, the first with St. Paul resting on his 
sword, and the second the Good Shepherd bearing a lamb 
in His arms. West of the south entrance the double 
lancets of beautiful opalescent glass represent the Angel 
of the Resurrection, in which the features of Mrs. James 
Means, to whom it is a memorial, are idealized, and the 
other the Saviour in the garden on the first Easter morn- 
ing. On the north side are two memorials, the first to 
John O. Russell and his wife (subsequently Mrs. Cros- 
key), showing the shepherds and angels on the first 
Christmas morning, and Rock of Ages. The second is 
to John P. Means and wife, one lancet showing St. John 
Baptist, with the banner of the cross, and the other a 
Madonna. The baptistery contains a pretty window, 



15S THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

memorial to Mrs. Mary W. Barclay. It has a figure of 
the Christ Child after the Delia Robbia Bambino, with 
the word "Jesus" above, and "One Lord, One Faith, One 
Baptism" below. Beneath is a shield with a kneeling 
angel after Fra Angelica. Alms basins were given by 
Miss Myers's Sunday School class. 

The original plans of the church contemplated the 
possibility of tiled aisles, but carpet covers the aisles as 
well as the pew spaces. Manufactured gas was first used 
for artificial lighting by means of four coronas of eigh- 
teen burners each and sixteen four-light brackets from 
the walls, giving 138 jets in all. Subsequently natural 
gas was substituted, and later electricity in the chancel, 
which will no doubt finally be extended throughout the 
building. The original heating apparatus consisted of 
four large stoves in the basement, with flues at each end 
and some extra ones in the side walls for emergency. 
These were replaced in 1912 by a steam heating plant. 

As already related, the pews in the old church had 
been declared free several years before its demolition. 
The arrangement had not proved entirely satisfactory 
from a financial standpoint, probably more because of 
business depression and lack of energy in pushing the 
system rather than from any inherent fault in the system 
itself. With the opening of the new church it was de- 
cided to continue the pledge and envelope plan, but to 
allow the subscribers to select their pews according to the 
size of their subscription, in other words, the highest sub- 
scriber was allowed to have first choice, others following 
in order to the lowest. Within a few days practically 
every seat in the church was taken, with a yearly income 
of $2,500 pledged for current expenses, the highest point 
then reached in the history of the parish. 

Among the minor actions the Vestry prescribed that 
all kneeling stool covers should be the same color as the 



A GREAT STEP FORWARD. 159 

carpet, and pewholders should be allowed to procure book 
racks of a certain size and form, only one, however, was 
placed. Also that all new windows should contain a ven- 
tilating louvre. 

At the forthcoming convention Mr. Pitts was made 
a member of the committee to which was referred that 
portion of the Bishop's address relating to missions. St. 
Paul's reported 162 communicants, and St. James's 36. 
Mr. Pitts had looked after this parish as well as St. 
John's, Brooke County, during vacancies. Joseph Beatty 
was lay delegate. The Bishop in his annual address re- 
ferred to new St. Paul's as "a dream in stone. Its ex- 
terior, especially the tower and spire, stone to the top, 
can hardly be surpassed for beauty of proportion, design 
and finish." 



CHAPTER XII. 

PATHS OF PROGRESS. 

Resignation of Dr. Pitts — Purchase of Lot — Rev. R. W. Grange 
Becomes Rector — New Communion Set — Early Easter 
Services — Diocesan Convention — Financial Matters — New 
Bishop Chosen — Mr. Grange Succeeded by Rev. C. D. Wil- 
liams — Parish House Built — Weekly Communion — Vested 
Choir — Mr. Williams Resigns — Rectory Sold. 

At a meeting of the Vestry held on July 28, a com- 
munication was received from the rector, tendering his 
resignation, to take effect on November 15, 1880, for 
the same reason that had influenced him to offer it in 
1877, namely that the health of his family required re- 
moval to a milder climate. After considering the mat- 
ter for a week the Vestry accepted the resignation, and 
adopted the following minute : 

In accepting the resignation of Rev. Thomas D. Pitts as 
rector of this parish, which office he has filled for more than 
eight years past, we do so with the deepest regret at the neces- 
sity which compels a severance of the relations which have so 
long and pleasantly existed between^ us as pastor and people. 
We desire here to record an expression of our esteem for him 
as a Christian gentleman, a Catholic Churchman and a parish 
priest. We heartily commend him to whatever people among 
whom his lot may be cast as worthy of their fullest confidence, 
and wheresoever he may go he will carry with him our heart- 
felt wishes and fervent prayers for his general welfare. 

Mr. Pitts's last service as rector was held on Thanks- 
giving Day, November 26, and during that week a fare- 
well reception was tendered him at the residence of Mrs. 
Mary K. Means on Washington street, where he was 
presented with a purse of $250 in gold. He and his 
family spent the winter in Florida, and he afterwards 
accepted a charge at Wilmington, N. C. Subsequently 



PATHS OF PROGRESS. 161 

he conducted Trinity Hall at Washington, Pa., a pre- 
paratory school for boys, for several years, occasionally 
visiting his old parish, where he was always warmly wel- 
comed. He afterwards removed to Pittsburgh, where 
he engaged in secular business, although not formally 
retiring from the ministry. His friends noticed a change 
in his manner, the cause of which was not revealed until 
after his death, which occurred during convulsions on 
May 18, 1891. An autopsy revealed what was pro- 
nounced the strangest case known to medical science. 
The deceased had a veritable thorn in his brain. When 
his skull was opened a bony plate was discovered, two 
inches in length, three-quarters of an inch in width, and 
having a very rough surface. It occupied part of the 
membraneous partition between the two hemispheres of 
the brain, and to its pressure was due the intense suffer- 
ing caused to the deceased. The examining surgeons 
were unable to determine the source of this bony growth, 
but it was probably caused by an accident, of which they 
were not aware. When a boy Mr. Pitts suffered a broken 
nose from a fall down stairs, and the bones, in their en- 
deavor to unite, doubtless started a growth which did 
not reach the brain until his later years. He was buried 
from old Calvary Church in his priestly vestments, with 
the prayer from earnest friends that after this life's suf- 
ferings his soul might rest in peace. It is not putting 
the matter too strongly to say that next after the venera- 
ble Dr. Morse no rector of St. Paul's had a stronger hold 
on the affections of his parishioners, or brought the par- 
ish to a more marked position in the community. 

During the summer of 1880 the family of William 
Giles, occupying the south half of lot No. 208 adjoining 
the parish property on the north, offered to sell the same 
to the church for the sum of $2,500. The desirability of 
acquiring the property was evident both as a matter of 



162 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

protection to the exisiting structure, and to allow room 
for future expansion. As the congregation had been re- 
sponding to quite heavy demands for sometime previous, 
it was deemed best not to make any additional call at this 
time, but to appropriate $500 accumulated in other 
funds, and to incur a temporary indebtedness of $2,000, 
the interest on which could be met fromi the rental of a 
small storeroom and dwelling then on the lot. The ar- 
rangement was finally consummated, and the deed made 
on October 20. About half the debt was lifted a couple 
of years later, and the remainder in 1890. The wisdom 
of the purchase has been abundantly vindicated, as well 
as perseverance in holding it under later adverse cir- 
cumstances. 

Some changes being necessary in the choir, an ar- 
rangement was made with George E. Sharpe and James 
W. Gill to take charge of the music at a cost of $275 per 
annum, to take effect on September 1. Miss Ella Young 
was appointed organist, and the arrangement finally grew 
into a double quartette choir, the whole expense being 
about $600 per year. 

About the same time that a new structure was pro- 
jected for St. Paul's, a similar enterprise was carried 
out in St. Stephen's parish, East Liverpool, the little 
frame building which had served that congregation for 
many years being replaced by a neat brick edifice capable 
of seating between 300 and 400 persons. Several contri- 
butions to this work had been made by Steubenville 
Churchmen, and the new house of worship was now 
completed, but without furnishing of any kind, if a debt 
be excepted. It will be remembered that when old St. 
Paul's was razed, among the furniture reserved were the 
pews, chancel chairs, font and gas fixtures. These were 
still in storage, with a fragment of the old altar, not hav- 
ing been utilized in the new church. Rev. Philip McKim, 



PATHS OF PROGRESS. 163 

rector of St. Stephen's, made application for these arti- 
cles, which was granted. They were taken to East Liv- 
erpool and duly installed as intended, where they re- 
mained until the night of January 27, 1900, when the 
church and its contents were entirely destroyed by fire. 

After the acceptance of Mr. Pitts's resignation no 
time was lost by the Vestry in looking about for a new 
rector, and matters had so far advanced that on Septem- 
ber 1 a call was extended to Rev. Robert W. Grange, of 
St. Paul's Church, Columbus, at a salary of $1,600 and 
rectory. This call was accepted, and Mr. Grange began 
his work here on Advent Sunday, November 28. Mr. 
Grange was a graduate of the Nashotah Seminary, and 
was a classmate of Mr. Pitts, although somewhat older. 
He was possessed of a pleasing voice and social qualities, 
which made him very popular. On March 27 following 
the salary was advanced to $1,800. 

One of the last projects inaugurated by Mr. Pitts 
previous to his departure was the procuring of a new 
communion service of sterling silver. This was now 
carried out with such expedition that the new service was 
procured and ready for the following Easter. Not only 
money but articles of silver were contributed to be 
worked into the service, which consisted of flagon, two 
chalices and paten, the first from the congregation gen- 
erally, the chalices gold lined and set with jewels from 
the Doty and Means families, and the paten gold faced 
as a memorial from Mrs. M. A. Timberlake. The old 
set was presented to Trinity Church, Bellaire. 

Considerable money was spent in repairing and im- 
proving the rectory this winter, the rector and wife mean- 
while having hotel quarters. The first funeral in the new 
church was that of Miss Mary K. Means on March 20, 
1881. 

Mrs. Jane Averick, who died in May, 1880, be- 



164 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

queathed $100 to the Sunday School, which was re- 
ceived about March 1 of the following year. 

The practice of having service early on Easter morn- 
ing was inaugurated in 1881 with a volunteer choir and 
a large congregation. Hymns and collects made up the 
service, with a brief address, but in after years it con- 
sisted of choral celebration of the Holy Communion, 
which has become the leading service of the festival. W. 
H. Harden succeeded Mr. Barclay on the Vestry, and 
the sexton's salary was fixed at $10 per month. 

During the winter the chancel was decorated 
through the liberality of James Means, the background 
being blue with red trimmings, and ornamented with the 
monogram I. H. S., and fleur de lis in gilt. This encour- 
aged a movement for decorating the nave, which was 
done after Easter. An ivy vine ornamented the chancel 
arch, and two large crosses with streamers relieved the 
west wall. The general tint was terra cotta, relieved at 
the windows and arches by ornamentation and sentences. 

Over three years had elapsed since there had been a 
confirmation service in St. Paul's when, on December 6, 
1881, Rt. Rev. George W. Peterkin, Bishop of West Vir- 
ginia, visited the parish, Bishop Bedell being in Europe. 
A class of fifty-one was confirmed, the largest in the his- 
tory of the parish up to that time. In addition, there 
were nineteen others not then ready, who were confirmed 
by Bishop Bedell on February 19 following. He called 
the combined class of seventy to the altar rail and rdeliv- 
ered a special address. 

John P. Means was elected Vestryman at Easter. 

In response to an invitation previously extended, the 
Diocesan Convention met for the second time in St. 
Paul's on June 6, 1882. There was a good attendance, 
but the business was mostly of a routine nature. Joseph 
Beatty, James Means and William Dougherty were the 



PATHS OF PROGRESS 165 

delegates from St. Paul's, and John White, John Under- 
wood and Alexander Cunningham from St. James's. 
Messrs. Dougherty and Means were appointed members 
of the finance committee, and among the resolutions 
adopted was one congratulating the people of St. Paul's 
on the completion of their beautiful new church, whose 
walls were already beginning to be covered by a growth 
of Japan ivy (ampelopsis vetchii), the first planted in the 
city. Mr. Grange reported as caring for St. James's 
Church and St. John's, Brooke County, the former hav- 
ing twenty-nine communicants. The convention remained 
in session two days, the evening of the first day being 
devoted to a missionary meeting, with addresses by Rev. 
William Bodine, of Gambier; Rev. William P. Morgan, 
of Trinity Church, Cleveland, and others. 

At a meeting of the Vestry on July 1 the engage- 
ment of Miss Sarah Marion as organist for a year at 
$150 salary, and J. W. Stewart as choir director at the 
same amount, was approved. The music of the Sunday 
School was in charge of J. B. Doyle, the rector being 
superintendent. The opening service was choral, being 
condensed from the Prayer Book of 1549, and received 
the approval of Dr. George W. Hodges, now dean of the 
Cambridge theological seminary, who, while rector of 
Calvary Church, Pittsburgh, spent a Sunday at St. 
Paul's. The commuicants at this time numbered 210, 
and Sunday School scholars 176, with 21 teachers. 

The Easter election in 1883 resulted in the choice 
of F. A. Wells, Senior Warden; William Day, Jr. War- 
den ; James Means, William Dougherty, C. B. Doty, John 
P. Means, Joseph B. Doyle, J. M. Barclay, Charles Gal- 
lagher, George A. Maxwell, Vestrymen. Messrs. Beatty 
and Dougherty attended convention. On May 20 Rt. 
Rev. C. E. Penick, who had been Bishop of South Africa, 
visited the parish and confirmed a class of twenty-three. 



166 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Miss Marion was re-engaged as organist on July 1 
at a salary of $175 a year. 

On September 26, 1883, Miss Agnes Underwood 
and Joseph B. Nicholson were married in St. James's 
Church, that being the only marriage service ever held 
in that building. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. 
J. W. Cowpland, the former rector, who came from Old 
Point Comfort for that purpose. 

Bishop Bedell made a visitation on April 27, 1884, 
and confirmed a class of twenty-three, including one 
from St. James's. 

The financial condition of the parish at this time be- 
gan to create some anxiety, and at a meeting of the Ves- 
try held January 3, 1885, a committee consisting of 
Messrs. Doty, Gallagher and Doyle was appointed to 
make an examination and report the following Saturday 
night. As a result of their investigation they presented 
the following to the Vestry : 

Your committee respectfully reports that the income of this 
parish from pew rentals for the year ending Easter, 1884, was 
$1,906.95; from delinquents, $72.80; offertory, $244.71; total, 
h>2,224.46. This represents the income available for general ex- 
penses. While the income for that year may have fallen be- 
low the average, we believe that $2,100 per annum from pew 
rentals and $250 from the offertory is the extreme limit which 
can safely be relied upon, making a total of $2,350, which, from 
figures given below, would appear to be in excess of rather 
than beneath the actual cash receipts. 

The annual current expenses of the parish as nearly as can 
be ascertained are as follows: Rector's salary, $1,800; organist 
and blower. $200; sexton, $140; gas and fuel, $250; insurance, 
$75; taxes, $72.25; convention, $160; interest, $42; contingencies, 
$200; total, $2,949.25; annual deficit, $599.25. 

The parish is the possessor of a piece of property on the 
north side of the church which yields an annual income of $220, 
against which there is an annual charge of $159.31 for interest 
and taxes, leaving $60.69 for repairs, insurance and contin- 
gencies. 

It appears from the minutes of the Vestry that on 
September, 1, 1883, the treasurer presented a statement showing 
the parish indebtedness to be about $3,500. There was after- 
wards raised by special subscription $1,123.50, and proceeds of 



PATHS OP PROGRESS. 167 

"Cinderella" entertainment, $50. or $1,173.50 in addition to the 
ordinary income. Of this about $31 i was paid for a special 
grading and curbing assessment. The balance, $862, was ap- 
plied towards the reduction of this debt or to current expenses. 
Notwithstanding this extraordinary income, the indebtedness 
has been largely increased, it standing ion January 1 last about 
as follows: Bills payable, $2,550; bills rendered. $1,211.35; coal 
(estimated), $40; organ blower, $8.75; F. A. Hare, $7.39; con- 
vention, $160; insurance, $75; taxes, $40; total, $4,092.39. 

Thus instead of the indebtedness being reduced $862 as it 
would have been had the ordinary income been equal to the 
expenditures, it is increased by about $600, making a deficiency 
between the receipts and disbursements in sixteen months of 
over $1,400. It is more than likely that the usual payment of 
back pew rentals made at the end of the fiscal year, together 
with the collection of some long-standing delinquencies, will 
make a material reduction in this deficiency. Your committee, 
however, are of opinion that the annual expenditures of the 
parish are in excess of the annual income by not less than $500 
to $600, and that unless some measures are speedily taken to 
remedy this state of affairs the most disastrous consequences 
will ensue. 

The committee was continued with instructions to 
recommend a plan for bringing the income and expendi- 
tures to an equality if possible. In pursuance of this, on 
January 31 were presented the following recommenda- 
tions, which were adopted to take effect on April 1 : 

1. That the salary of the rector be fixed at $1,600 per an- 
num, payable monthly. 2. That the salary of the organist be 
fixed at $150 per annum, payable quarterly 3. That the rector 
be requested to discontinue week-night services except during 
Advent and Lent. This with the reduction already made in the 
sexton's salary ($2 per month), makes a total reduction of about 
$300. There is still a deficit, but if the convention assessment 
can be raised outside of the ordinary income and economy exer- 
cised in other directions, the committee believe that by collect- 
ing pew subscriptions more closely the income and expenses 
may be equalized. 

Richard Humes was appointed sexton. 

Bishop Bedell visited the parish on June 14, and 
confirmed ten. Communicants reported, 239; Sunday 
School scholars, 190, with 20 teachers. Part of the 



168 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

financial troubles were tided over by borrowing money 
from the women's society, they having started a fund for 
the erection of a chapel or parish house. 

For some months, beginning in 1884, the small 
building on lot No. 208 was devoted to a parish library 
for which quite liberal contributions of books were made, 
and the lower floor to a reading room, which was open 
every evennig. It was also used for meetings of the 
women's society and for other purposes. Not fulfilling 
expectations in this respect, and the income from the 
same being needed, the reading room was closed and the 
building was rerented. Subsequently a room was secured 
on the second floor of the Griesinger block, a short dis- 
tance north of the church, primarily for a young men's 
club, but it was also convenient for the women's society 
and for rehearsals for the boys who sang at the early 
Easter services, and occasionally at Evensong, the nucleus 
of the future vested choir. Misses Riley and Lindsay 
conducted there a parochial kindergarten, and Miss S. S. 
Scull and others on Saturdays an industrial school, which 
for several years was one of the most important of the 
parish activities. At this time an application was made 
to the rector by parties living on the east side of the 
river to conduct a Sunday School at Hunter's school- 
house, a short distance above Fairy Glen, and to hold oc- 
casional services. The request was complied with, and dur- 
ing the summer a very interesting work was carried on. 
It ceased in Autumn, and was not again renewed. 

Quite a change was made in the personnel of the 
Vestry in 1886, those elected that year being James 
Means, Senior Warden; William Archer, Junior War- 
den; J. W. Jordan, Dr. A. A. Elliott, Ross White, E. Y. 
Dougherty, R. J. Beatty, J. H. Timberlake, Alfred Day, 
Harry L. Doty. Repairs on the church amounting to 
$55 were made this spring, and about $155 spent on the 



PATHS OF PROGRESS 169 

rectory. The indebtedness on the lot purchase was re- 
duced $100, being $35 from the Church Acre fund, $50 
bequest of Elizabeth Wilson, and $15 from rentals. 
Natural gas was introduced into the church for heating, 
and the next spring for lighting by argand burners. On 
December 12 the Bishop visited St. Paul's both morning 
and evening, and confirmed nine persons. He was as- 
sisted at Evensong by Rev. Mr. Wirgman, of Wheeling, 
who conducted services at St. James's every other Sun- 
day. 

Charles Gallagher and George A. Maxwell suc- 
ceeded Messrs. Jordan and White at the Easter election 
in IS 87. A substantial reduction was made in the debt at 
Easter, but the Vestry minutes at this period and for 
some time after are chiefly a record of pew regulations 
and efforts to make both ends meet. 

Bishop Whitehead, of Pittsburgh, visited the parish 
on Good Friday evening, March 30, 1888, and con- 
firmed twenty-four. At the ensuing Easter election 
George P. Harden succeeded J. H. Timberlake on the 
Vestry. The rector's salary was again increased to 
$1,800, dating back from January 1. 

The health of Bishop Bedell had become such as to 
necessitate the election of an assistant, and a special con- 
vention was called for that purpose at Cleveland in the 
spring of 1888. Messrs. Gallagher and Timberlake at- 
tended this convention, which was carried on amidst con- 
siderable confusion, resulting in the apparent election of 
Rev. William F. Nichols, of St. Jude's Church, Philadel- 
phia. This, however, was pronounced irregular, and the 
matter went over until fall, when another special con- 
vention confirmed Dr. Nichols's election. He declined, 
however, and the regular convention held at Toledo on 
May 15, 1889, elected Rev. William A. Leonard, of St. 
John's Church, Washington, who was consecrated on 



170 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

October 12, becoming the one hundred and fifty-first 
Bishop of the American Church, and the fourth Bishop 
of Ohio. He practically took full charge of the diocese 
at once, as Bishop Bedell was now incapacitated for 
further service, and the diocese soon began to feel the 
infusion of new life and energy. Not an extremist in 
either doctrine or ritual, none was firmer in sustaining 
the essentials of the faith, and dignity in worship was not 
only allowed but encouraged. In fact, the whole situa- 
tion, not only in Ohio, but over the country generally, 
had been gradually changing from what it had been a few 
years before. Methods and actions, for which faithful 
priests had been persecuted and churches boycotted (if 
that term may be permitted), were becoming the usual 
and ordinary course of procedure. It was realized that 
they were not the property of any particular party or 
faction, but of the Church generally, and, except in a few 
isolated instances, had ceased to excite any particular at- 
tention or comment. Better than all was the feeling that 
the Church, like the Nation, was broad enough and 
strong enough to tolerate differences of opinion and prac- 
tice so long as the foundations were preserved intact. 
This condition freed Bishop Leonard from some of the 
difficulties of his predecessors, enabling him to energet- 
ically pursue the work of building up the Church in waste 
places. An able preacher, a cultured gentleman, a good 
executive, and withal an earnest Christian, he made a 
most favorable impression from the start, an impression 
which lapse of time has strengthened, and given to the 
diocese a lengthened period of harmony and steady 
growth. 

The newly organized Church of the Ascension in 
Pittsburgh, having invited Mr. Grange to become its first 
rector, that gentleman, on March 2, 1889, presented his 
resignation to the Vestry of St. Paul's, to take effect on 



PATHS OF PROGRESS. 171 

May 1 following, which was accepted with expressions 
of regret. On March 26 Rt. Rev. Boyd Vincent, the re- 
cently consecrated Assistant Bishop of Southern Ohio, 
visited the parish and confirmed a class of twenty-four. 

Previous to his departure for his new field a recep- 
tion was tendered Mr. Grange at the residence of Charles 
Gallagher, where he was presented with a purse of gold. 
During his administration at Ascension parish the orig- 
inal frame building was replaced by a handsome stone 
church and parish house, and the congregation, self-sup- 
porting from the start, became one of the strongest in the 
city, A few years ago Mr. Grange's health compelled 
him to give up active work, and he now lives a quiet life 
at Bellevue, one of the suburbs of Pittsburgh. 

The Vestry on March 30 extended a call to Rev. 
Charles D. Williams, of Fernbank, a suburb of Cincin- 
nati, to become rector at a salary of $1,600 a year and 
rectory. The call was accepted, and the new rector took 
charge in June. Mr. Williams was a son-in-law of Rev. 
Dr. Benedict, rector of St. Paul's Church, Cincinnati. 
He had been educated in the Gambier institutions, and 
had already attracted attention not only as a student, but 
a forcible preacher, whose sermons were of a character 
not calculated to induce somnolence. Independent in his 
views and energetic in his work, he soon began to make 
his influence felt not only within the parish, but beyond 
its boundaries. 

The roomi in the Griesinger block was given up this 
summer, and in the fall a larger one was rented in the 
Floto building on the west side of Fourth street, above 
Market, for general parish purposes. The remainder of 
the parish indebtedness was extinguished the following 
Easter, and the rector was able to announce that they 
"owed no man anything except to love one another." 
Mr. Beatty was succeeeded on the Vestry by S. C. Gill, 



173 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

and Alfred Day was convention delegate in 1890. At 
that time the reports gave 240 communicants and 95 
Sunday School scholars, with 18 teachers. St. James's, 
18 communicants. At an episcipal visitation on May 4 
twenty-five were confirmed. 

Shortly after Mr. Williams became rector his 
brother-in-law, Cleveland K. Benedict, of Cincinnati, a 
candidate for holy orders, became a member of his fam- 
ily and pursued his studies under his direction. Mr. 
Benedict had graduated at Kenyon College in 1887, and 
was ordained deacon in St. Paul's Church, Cincinnati, on 
September 21, 1890. Remaining here as assistant at St. 
Paul's, he took charge of St. James's, Cross Creek, and 
other work in this vicinity until June, 1892. 

During the Bishop's visitation in May, 1890, a serv- 
ice was held at Toronto, for which the M. E. Church 
was kindly tendered. The rector and a volunteer choir 
attended from St. Paul's, and the building was crowded. 
The rendition of the chants was left pretty much to the 
visitors, but when it came to the familiar hymns, the vol- 
ume of sound was inspiring. The establishment of a 
mission was discussed, but nothing was done at that time. 

Two principal topics occupied the attention of the 
Vestry and congregation during summer of 1890: plac- 
ing of dormer windows in the roof of the church, in or- 
der to secure better light and ventilation, and the erection 
of a chapel or parish building, the necessity of which was 
obvious. The first project was dropped after placing 
some ventilating slats in the chancel ceiling and side reg- 
isters in the wainscotting. The women of the parish 
had kept the idea of an additional building in view for 
over a decade, but as soon as they had accumulated a 
respectable nest egg it was always needed for other pur- 
poses, first to build the church tower, and then to supply 
deficits i n current expenses, which bid fair to become 




ST. PAUL'S PARISH HOUSE. 




ST. PAUL'S CHAPEL 



PATHS OF PROGRESS. 173 

chronic. Not discouraged, however, they kept steadily 
at work, and during Thanksgiving week of this year, 
gave a very successful "Kirmess," which added $1,000 
to their fund. Miss Mary Bustard, a revered communi- 
cant, at her death bequeathed $500 to the sarnie object. 
Correspondence with Mr. Hewitt, the architect of the 
church, resulted in the preparation of plans for a stone 
building, which were laid before the Vestry at its meet- 
ing on February 12, 1891. They provided for a three- 
story structure with basement, the ground floor to be de- 
voted to Sunday School, choir room and general pur- 
poses, the second floor to a hospital, and the third to sex- 
ton's and other rooms. The estimated cost was $20,000, 
which was considered greater than the financial condi- 
tion would warrant, besides the responsibility of general 
hospital work, which the parish was hardly in position to 
assume. Accordingly it was resolved to eliminate the 
second story plans, and bring the proposed third story to 
the second floor. With some other minor alterations this 
plan was adopted. A committee on subscriptions having 
already been appointed, the Vestry received bids for the 
work, and on July 22 authorized the making of a con- 
tract with Robert Hyde and Floto Bros, for the erection 
of the structure, to be completed by Christmas, 1891. It 
was then figured that the cost of the building, exclusive 
of heating, plumbing and furnishing, would not exceed 
$11,000, but, as will be seen, the aggregate was increased 
and the time of completion extended. 

Bishop Leonard made his third visitation to St. 
Paul's on June 14, confirming a class of eighteen, a re- 
ception having been tendered himi at the rectory the pre- 
vious evening. He visited St. James's in the afternoon, 
and preached to a large congregation at St. Paul's in the 
evening. 

Work on the parish house progressed sufficiently to 



174 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

permit the laying of the cornerstone on Wednesday after- 
noon, September 23. At 5 o'clock a procession led by 
members of the Sunday School moved out the west door 
of the church, singing "The Church's One Foundation," 
and including the following clergy : Rev. Messrs. James 
H. Young, of Dennison; C. K. Benedict and Charles D. 
Williams, Steubenville ; Charles O'Meara, Martins Ferry; 
Rt. Rev. William A. Leonard, Bishop of the diocese. 
Arriving at the southeast corner of the building, Mr. 
Williams conducted the opening service of invocation, 
with Lord's Prayer, Collects, "Direct Us, O Lord," and 
for the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul and All saints' 
Day, and 101st Psalm. The Bishop led in the Apostles' 
Creed, versicles and succeeding collects. Mr. Benedict 
then presented to the rector, Mr. Williams, a copper ves- 
sel containing copies of the Holy Bible, Book of Common 
Prayer, coins of the current year, journal of the previous 
Diocesan Convention, list of bishops of the diocese and 
rectors of St. Paul's since its organization, Wardens and 
Vestry, communicants and Sunday School scholars of 
the parish. Mr. Williams placed the vessel in the recep- 
tacle provided for it, when Bishop Leonard, Contractor 
Hyde and Mastermason Floto placed the stone in posi- 
tion. It was declared laid in the name of the Father, and 
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and the Bishop in his 
address emphasized the fact that the mission of the 
Church was hearty, aggressive work in the Master's 
service and for the good of the community. The object 
of this building was to furnish a centre at which plans of 
work could be laid out, and from which the work itself 
should proceed. He congratulated the parish on its past 
work and future prospects. The service concluded with 
prayers and benediction and the singing of Hymn No. 
282 as a recessional, while the Bishop and Clergy re- 
turned to the church. The stone is 36x24x18 inches in 



PATHS OF PROGRESS. 175 

size, and bears the inscription, "St. Paul's Parish House, 
A. D. 1891." Two person were confirmed at this visita- 
tion. 

The new structure was sufficiently advanced by Eas- 
ter, 1892, to allow its use for some purposes, but it was 
not completed and furnished until the following May. 
On the 29th of that month the Bishop visited the parish 
in the morning and confirmed a class of 29, and cele- 
brated the Holy Eucharist. In the afternoon, he, with 
Messrs. Williams and Benedict, visited St. James's par- 
ish, and it was that night the burglary related on page 
15G occurred. 

Exercises connected with the blessing of the parish 
house began at 11 o'clock the next day, when the vested 
choir of twenty-six voices preceded the Bishop and clergy 
from the church, singing the processional hymn. As 
each room was entered it was blessed by the Bishop, end- 
ing in the main apartment on the ground floor. The 
Bishop congratulated the people of St. Paul's on the com- 
pletion of one of the finest and most substantial parish 
houses in the diocese. He referred in eulogistic terms to 
the work that had been done, and reminded the congre- 
gation of what might be expected with its increased 
facilities. 

He then introduced Rev. R. W. Grange, of the 
Ascension, Pittsburgh, who spoke of his happy associa- 
tions as former rector of St. Paul's. Referring to the 
hard work which the erection of this building involved, 
he called special attention to the part taken by the women 
of the parish, to whom most of the credit was due. Al- 
most before the Vestry were aware of the movement the 
ladies had $1,300 in a fund for the new building, which 
they loaned to the board at its urgent request to pay for 
other expenditures. Notwithstanding this, they perse- 
vered until the building stands to-day a monument to their 



176 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

efforts. Mr. Grange enlivened his remarks by some 
amusing anecdotes, but the serious side was that the new 
building added to the responsibility of the congregation; 
the communicants of St. Paul's had more talents, and 
more results would be expected from them than hereto- 
fore, the facilities were better, and better work would be 
expected. He glowingly praised the beautiful and sub- 
stantial building, remarking that he was delighted beyond 
measure to be present on this auspicious occasion, and he 
was grateful to the rector for this opportunity to speak 
with his old parishioners. 

Prayers were offered by the Bishop, the creed was 
recited, Hymn 450, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' 
Name," was sung, and the benediction pronounced. Im- 
mediately after the close of the service an elaborate 
luncheon was served by the women in the new building, 
which was attended by the visiting clergy, the Vestry, 
and most of the city ministers. Interesting after-dinner 
speeches were made, and the affair was a most enjoyable 
termination to an interesting function. 

As previously stated, the building is constructed 
of native sandstone, similar to the church, with 
which it is connected by a corridor 22% feet in 
length by 8 inches in width, the outside dimensions 
of the structure proper being 50x74 feet. It is two 
stories high with basement and mansard roof. The 
first floor contains a large apartment 35x70 feet 8 
inches, mainly for Sunday School purposes, but which 
can be subdivided by sliding doors into three sections. 
The nothern one, 19x35, has been used as a choir room 
during the week; the central part, 35x32 feet 8 inches, 
for general Sunday School and other purposes, and the 
southern section, 19x35, was later converted into a chapel 
for early communions and week-day services. Entrance 
from Adams street is through a tiled porch into the cor- 



PATHS OF PROGRESS. 177 

ridor, leading from which on the opposite side is a spa- 
cious hallway, also used by the Sunday School as a 
library, in the rear of which was a pantry and kitchen. 
A broad oak stairway leads to the second story, in the 
rear of which are three rooms for the sexton's occupancy. 
In front are the rector's apartments, study, bedroom and 
bathroom, and women's sewing room, with a storage 
room in the centre. The interior woodwork is yellow 
pine, with frosted windows in the Sunday School room 
and cathedral glass in the corridor. Seats were pro- 
vided by the girls' guild of the parish, and a lectern and 
chair were presented by Mrs. M. K. Means in memory 
of her deceased daughter, Mary. 

While the estimated cost of the parish house was 
$11,000, its completion and furnishing, with other items, 
brought it close to $13,000, the final report of the treas- 
urer on March 26, 1894, showing a total expenditure of 
$12,748.39, with an indebtedness at that time of $4,- 
610.37, which was not entirely extinguished until twenty 
years after the completion of the building. 

At the Easter election of 1891-2 Charles Gallagher 
and John P. Means were elected Wardens, William M. 
Beall being the new member in place of Mr. Archer, de- 
ceased. John Bishop was chosen in place of J. B. Doyle, 
declined. Mr. Gallagher was convention delegate in 
1891, and Mr. Beall in 1892. Mr. Benedict was in charge 
of St. James's, reporting 11 communicants; St. Pauls 
reported 254 communicants and 100 Sunday School 
scholars, with 15 teachers. 

Early in 1892 it became apparent that the pew rental 
plan' inaugurated after the consecration of the new 
church in 1880 could no longer be depended on to meet 
current expenses of the parish, and the Vestry, after 
some weeks' careful consideration, decided to return to 
the free pew and pledge system, beginning with Easter. 



178 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

A circular was issued to the parishioners, the first two 
paragraphs explaining the reasons for the change as fol- 
lows : 

For some reasons, chiefly because of the inefficient and 
unsystematic plan heretofore in use, the income of the church 
for several years past has been steadily declining. Experience 
has shown a regular annual decrease ever since the adoption of 
the present method. The existence 'of this state of affairs., and 
a prospect of a continual deficit, renders it absolutely neces- 
sary to make an immediate change from the present inefficient 
system. And your Vestry have unanimously decided to adopt 
for the coming year — beginning at Easter — the system now in 
successful use by many of the leading churches, and at one 
time by this parish, known as the free-pew or weekly offering 
plan. 

The proposed arrangement, which went into force 
at the time proposed without objection, has been carried 
on ever since with some minor alterations, and may now 
be regarded as the settled policy of the parish. 

Mr. Benedict was advanced to the priesthood by 
Bishop Vincent in Christ Church, Cincinnati, on June 12, 
1892, and became assistant at Christ Church, Glendale, 
assuming the rectorship in October, 1894. In Novem- 
ber, 1910, he was chosen Dean of the theological depart- 
ment of the University of the South, which position he 
still holds, having been awarded the degree of D.D. by 
Kenyon College in June, 1911. 

While the building of the parish house was in progress, 
the sexton's family occupied the frame dwelling north of 
the church, the front room being used for parish pur- 
poses, but they afterwards using the quarters assigned 
them in parish house, it and the other buildings on that lot 
were rerented. The church spire was struck by lightning 
during a thunderstorm in the month of June, but the 
damage, which was not serious, was repaired by the in- 
surance companies. The church interior was renovated 
this summer, services being held in the parish house. 



PATHS OF PROGRESS. 179 

The inauguration of the vested choir on Easter, 
1892, is related elsewhere. Early weekly celebration of 
Holy Communion was also established about this time. 

Francis A. Wells, who had been Senior Warden for 
many years, died on April 2, 1892, and William Day, a 
former Vestryman and Junior Warden, on November 
19, same year. 

Arthur C. Thomson, candidate for Holy Orders, 
succeeded Mr. Benedict as assistant, holding services at 
St. James's, and St. John's, Brooke County, and he in 
the fall by Rev. T. A. Waterman in deacon's orders, who 
remained a few months. He was followed by Rev. 
Thomas Stafford, who had charge in 1893 during a va- 
cancy in the rectorship, and subsequently located at 
Cleveland, N. Y. He recently retired from active work 
on account of advanced years and physical infirmities. 
Mr. Thomson is rector of Trinity Church, Ports- 
mouth, Va. 

Miss Hale in September applied for permission to 
conduct a kindergarten in the parish house, which was 
granted on condition that she receive eight free pupils. 
The missionary zeal of the parish at this time was very 
marked, upwards of $600 per year being raised through 
what was known as the "Systematic Offering," which 
was applied to the assistant and missionary, who had his 
headquarters in the parish house. 

Mr. Williams having received a call to be Dean of 
Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, on December 23 sent his 
resignation as rector of St. Paul's to the Vestry, to take 
effect the following February. It is needless to say that 
the resignation was reluctantly accepted, but the call to 
Cleveland was recognized as a decided advancement. He 
became the same active force at Cleveland that he had 
been at Steubenville, and it was during his administration 
that the magnificent new cathedral was built Before 



180 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

the cathedral was completed he was elected Bishop of 
Michigan, and consecrated in St. Paul's Church, Cleve- 
land, on February 7, 1906. His home is now Detroit, 
where he has built a fine cathedral. 

For some time the sale of the rectory property was 
under consideration, on account of the expense of keep- 
ing it up, and on March 27 the Vestry authorized its sale 
to Wilson McKee for $3,700, the purchaser to assume the 
assessments for certain street improvements. This was 
carried out and deed executed on June 6, 1893. The sum 
of $200 was used for general purposes, leaving $3,500 
for investment. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

CHANGES AND TROUBLES. 

Rev. H. LeF. Grabau Called — Advanced Views of New Rector — 
Toronto Mission — Convocation — Ordination — Dissatisfaction 
— Exciting Parish Election — Chapel Furnished — Rector Re- 
signs — Rev. G. W. Hinkle Succeeds — Efforts for Harmony — 
Centennial Celebration. 

There was some delay in securing a new rector, but 
on March 8 a call was extended to Rev. H. LeF. Grabau, 
of Oswego, N. Y., at a salary of $1,600 per annum and 
rectory. Mr. Grabau visited the parish and conducted 
services ten days later, also meeting with the Vestry, 
which body agreed to allow $100 to cover removal ex- 
penses. In his sermon the rector-elect gave what was 
then considered quite pronounced views as to his position 
on doctrine and ritual so that there should be no 
misunderstanding as to his course should he accept the 
call In order to avoid any embarrassment or misun- 
derstanding, he returned the call to the Vestry, by whom 
it was unanimously renewed on March 27. This was ac- 
cepted, the new rector taking charge early in May. It 
was necessary to rent a building for rectory, and the 
property of Hon. R. G. Richards, corner Franklin and 
Fifth streets, was secured for that purpose. 

John P. Means was the convention delegate this 
year, the opening Evensong being conducted by Dean 
Williams and Mr. Grabau. The Bishop in his address 
mentioned Edwin B. Redhead, later rector of St. Steph- 
en's, as a candidate for holy orders. Mr. Grabau also 
took charge of St. James's, Cross Creek, and St. John's, 
West Virginia, and on July 1, Rev. C. P. Cogswell, in 
deacon's orders, who had been located at Wellsville, at- 



182 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

tended to these parishes, also becoming assistant at St. 
Paul's on May 1 following. 

With the coming of the new rector parish activ- 
ities were greatly increased. Mr. Grabau was very 
positive in his ideas, and quite as positive in enforc- 
ing them, which latter trait led to results not then fore- 
seen. He boldly declared that the fact of the parish hav- 
ing followed certain usages for a long period of years 
was no reason for continuing them if they were wrong, 
a proposition incontrovertible in itself, but sometimes dif- 
ficult to put into practice when confronted by blank walls 
of conservatism. As has already been indicated the time 
had now passed when a priest or parish (outside of a few 
remote districts) was in danger of persecution by eccle- 
siastical authority, because of some difference of opinion 
over vestments or some minor points of ritual, in fact, it 
was now generally recognized that most of the so-called 
"novelties" were simply restoration of the practices of 
the ancient Church of England, and were now gradually 
becoming the ordinary use of her American daughter, 
without any regard whatever to the preaching or prac- 
tices of the Roman Communion. The fact that injudi- 
cious partisans sometimes in these as in other instances 
used more zeal than discretion in no way militated 
against the general principle. Although St. Paul's was 
not in advance of the general movement, it was not alto- 
gether out of the procession, but under former rectors 
had been making steady if not rapid progress. When 
the present church was built, correct ecclesiastically as 
well as graceful architecturally, there was some inquiry 
as to why the chancel was so large, with the prompt re- 
sponse that we were building for the future. When the 
Bishop casually remarked to the rector that he hoped 
to see in the new building not a marble altar but an old 
fashioned table, the latter replied "That while we were 



CHANGES AND TROUBLES. 183 

glad to be able to say with St. Paul that we had an altar, 
yet on account of our financial condition we were com- 
pelled for the present to be content with a wooden one." 
That was probably the last suggestion against an altar 
in Ohio, and when one now surveys the massive block in 
the diocesan cathedral with its magnificent reredos, the 
eucharistic lights and the attending servers, the progress 
made can be at least imperfectly realized. Under the rec- 
torship of Mr. Williams, the vested choir had become a 
fixed institution, and the weekly communion part of the 
ordinary Sunday services. Choral services had been used 
for years in the Sunday School and at the early Easter 
celebrations, but had not become the accepted use for 
Sunday services generally. So far as ritual service went, 
what was now proposed was largely an extension of what 
was already in use to a certain degree, and the enriched 
Prayer Book, which had shortly before been adopted by 
the Church, accentuated some things which otherwise 
might not have attracted serious attention. 

One of Mr. Grabau's first acts was to place the choir 
in the chancel with the newly purchased vocalion else- 
where described, and, being a musician himself, the serv- 
ices took a brighter hue. Daily Morning and Evening 
Prayers were inaugurated, and a young men's Bible class 
and club were formed under the supervision of J. B. 
Doyle, and the centre room of the parish house hung with 
pictures, the walls decorated, and a pool table placed 
therein, which for several years was a popular meeting 
place. The pictures were afterwards hung in the rector's 
study, where they still remain. The rector kept regular 
office hours at his study, a new incident in the parish his- 
tory, and the place wore a continuous business appear- 
ance, which was certainly a local "novelty." 

Reference has been made to a service held at 
Toronto in May, 1890, with the view of establishing a 



184 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

mission there. The matter lay dormant until the sum- 
mer of 1893, when the field was canvassed by Mr. Gra- 
bau with such success that on September 27 a mission 
was organized under the name of St. Jude's. A second 
story room was fitted with proper furnishings, and when 
Bishop Leonard visited the place a class of fourteen was 
ready for confirmation. The choir and numerous mem- 
bers of St. Paul's congregation were in attendance, and 
the enterprise was started under exceptionally favorable 
auspices. The mission was served by Messrs. Grabau 
and Cogswell, and when the former left St. Paul's it was 
placed under the care of Rev. W. J. Williams, of Wells- 
ville, and served by a lay reader from the same place. It 
dwindled and was finally closed for the time being. A 
temporary mission was also carried on in one of the 
Mingo schoolhouses. 

On the evening of All Saints' Day, after Choral 
Evensong, Rev. R. W. Grange, of Pittsburgh, preached 
to a large congregation, and a new brass Litany desk, one 
of the handsomest in the country, was blessed. It was 
the gift of Harry L. Doty in memory of his mother. 

The first ordination in the new St. Paul's Church, 
and second in the history of the parish, was held on St. 
Thomas's Day, 1893, when Rev. C. K. P. Coggswell was 
advanced to the priesthood. Hymn 516, "Onward Chris- 
tian Soldiers," was sung as the processional, and the 
preface to the Ordinal was read by Rev. W. J. Williams, 
of Wellsville, followed by the Litany by Bishop Leonard. 
The Gospel was read by Rev. J. C. Taylor, of East Liver- 
pool, and the sermon by Archdeacon Brown, afterwards 
Bishop of Arkansas. He emphasized the position of the 
Anglican Communion as a true branch of the Holy Cath- 
olic and Apostolic Church, its present position and 
growth, presenting a basis of Christian unity as the rep- 
resentative church of the English-speaking race. The 





REV. H. LeF. GRABAU. 



REV. GEORGE V\ T . HINKLE. 





REV. J. W. FOSTER. 



REV. WILLIAM M.. SIDENER. 



CHANGES AND TROUBLES. 185 

candidate was presented by Mr. Grabau, and he was 
vested with a silk stole, the gift of the girls' guild. Veni 
Creator Spiritns was intoned by the Bishop and choir re- 
sponsively, and the former was the celebrant in the Holy 
Communion which followed, Rev. Mr. Swope, of Wheel- 
ing also taking part in the service. 

The Central Convocation of the diocese met in St. 
Paul's on Monday evening, January 22, 1894, and was 
largely attended, Mr. Williams, of Wellsville, being the 
preacher, speaking from the text, "Go ye into all the world 
and preach the Gospel to every creature." Rev. E. L. Kemp, 
of St. Timothy's Church, Massillon, dean of the Convo- 
cation, presided at the business meeting in the parish 
house the next day, and read a paper on Sunday Schools. 
Papers were read by Rev. D. F. Davies, of Mansfield, on 
"Work Among Boys," and Rev. H. M. Green, of Canton, 
"Confirmation ;" Rev. G. F. Smythe, of Mt. Vernon, 
on "Guilds." Others present besides the local clergy 
were Archdeacon Brown, of Cleveland; Rev. J. C. Tay- 
lor, of East Liverpool, and Rev. L. H. Young, of Denni- 
son. At the conclusion of the morning session the women 
of the parish served a dinner, after which there were 
some interesting talks. In the evening there was a series 
of missionary meetings, Mr. Williams officiating at 
Toronto and Mr. Kemp at St. James's, while Archdeacon 
Brown and others conducted a most enthusiastic one at 
St. Paul's, the occupants of the chancel numbering 33, 
including the choir. It appeared as though the Church 
in Eastern Ohio were waking to her responsibilities and 
preparing to advance all along the line. 

This was an illusion soon to be dissi pated. The 
cloud which had begun to gather soon after Mr. Grabau's 
arrival was already considerably larger than a man's 
hand, and even at the Convocation meetings the absence 
of some members who had hitherto been active in Church 



186 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

work was noticeable. It is idle at this date to discuss 
whether a larger exercise of tact and conciliation on the 
part of the rector would have had any effect. Knowing 
his legal rights, and having the courage of his convic- 
tions, his temperament was such as did not admit of com- 
promise either of the matters in controversy or in the 
manner of their presentation. When it was suggested 
that a different course might be expedient the prompt re- 
ply was that it was expediency that crucified the Son of 
God. Thoroughly conscientious in his work, to him 
there was only one course, namely to do his whole duty 
as he saw it without regard to consequences. That he 
had the majority of the congregation with him, at least 
so far as maintaining his authority, was subsequently 
demonstrated, but it was also evident that the minority 
was neither small in numbers nor weak in influence. The 
result was that the parish became practically separated 
into two factions, those supporting the rector, and those 
opposed to himi. Unfortunately personal and social mat- 
ters intruded themselves into the controversy, making 
each attempt at reconciliation more difficult. About this 
time Rev. Mr. Noakes, of Cleveland, who had aban- 
doned the Church and organized a Reformed Episcopal 
parish in that city, visited Steubenville, and endeavored 
to induce the dissidents to follow his example, but with- 
out receiving any encouragement. 

The Vestry was about evenly divided, and it was 
very evident that there would be a contest for control at 
the ensuing Easter election. These expectations were 
fully realized when two tickets were placed in the field on 
the evening of March 26, and 156 votes were polled, the 
highest number on record at a parish election. The vote 
on Senior Warden stood 93 to 63 in favor of what was 
known as the rector's ticket, the following being elected : 
John P. Means, Senior Warden; Alfred Day, Junior 



CHANGES AND TROUBLES. 187 

Warden; S. C. Gill, George P. Harden, H. L. Doty, 
Arthur Dougherty, John Bishop, J. M. Barclay, F. S. 
Maxwell and J. H. Timberlake. Messrs. Day, Gill and 
Harden were on both tickets, and received practically the 
full vote cast. 

At a meeting of the Vestry held on April 17 it was 
announced that Miss Ann Elliott, deceased, had be- 
queathed $400 to the parish, and a committee was ap- 
pointed to look after the matter. When the estate was 
settled up a year later the bequest had shrunk to $53. 

Bishop Leonard visited the parish on April 24, and 
confirmed a class of ten persons. The result of the Eas- 
ter election had not restored harmony in the parish, in 
fact, had rather increased the tension. At 5 o'clock on 
that evening there was a called meeting of the Vestry to 
discuss the situation, there being present Messrs. Galla- 
gher and Beall, from the old Vestry, and James Means. 
The Bishop stated that the meeting was to grant a re- 
quest made by Mr. Gallagher and others in order to bring 
certain grievances before the Bishop, Rector and Vestry. 
Mr, Gallagher presented a paper in relation to alleged 
ritualistic views of the rector, his manner of administer- 
ing the Communion, doctrinal teachings, etc., but accord- 
ing to the Vestry minutes, "makes no specific charges." 
A general discussion followed, in which the Bishop said 
he was afraid this matter had become personal, and hoped 
that the gentlemen present would act in a Christian spirit 
and become united; that the rector, to overcome objec- 
tions, agreed to desist from retaining the cup at Com- 
munion and singing the Nicene Creed, thereby obliging 
him. After some further talk, Messrs. Beall and Galla- 
gher thanked the Bishop for giving them a hearing, and 
the meeting adjourned. 

After Evensong a general meeting was called in the 
parish house for all who had a grievance, at which there 



188 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

was quite a large attendance. The Bishop occupied the 
chair and listened to the complaints, but advised the meet- 
ing that the spiritual affairs of the parish and conduct of 
the services were in charge of the rector, but that he would 
use his best offices towards restoring peace and harmony. 
At the next meeting of the Vestry a letter was ordered 
sent to the Bishop thanking him for his efforts and ad- 
vice. 

John P. Means and H. L. Doty were convention del- 
egates this year. Communicants reported, 264; Sunday 
School scholars, 119, with 13 teachers. St. James's, 14 
communicants. As a rule those not sympathizing with 
the rector absented themselves from the services, and the 
next year the active communicant list was reported at 189, 
Sunday School, 85, with 11 teachers, and industrial 
school, 80, with 11 teachers. 

During the summer the southern apartment of the 
Sunday School room, 19x35 feet, was fitted up as a 
chapel, the chair and lectern being removed thither, and 
the altar, candlesticks and prayer desk being the handi- 
work of David Peterson. The building of a rectory was 
discussed, but indefinitely postponed. The Bishop visited 
the parish on December 9, and confirmed a class of four- 
teen persons. He also blessed the new chapel, which has 
since been used for early Communions and week-day 
services. On February 6, 1895, Robert P. Fogg was 
elected sexton at $10 per month and rooms in the parish 
house. 

Meantime the disaffected portion of the congrega- 
tion for the most part still held aloof, and it being im- 
pressed upon Mr. Grabau that he was an obstacle to the 
reunion of the parish and a settlement of its difficulties, 
on February 27 he addressed the following letter to the 
Vestry : 



CHANGES AND TROUBLES. 189 

I herewith tender you my resignation as rector of St. Paul's 
parish, the same to take effect March 1st, 1895. In asking that 
this take effect at once I realize that it is unusual, but I know 
that you will agree with me that a continuance, even for thirty 
days, of my ministrations would neither be satisfying to you 
nor tend to heal wounds which now seem to be mortal. We 
will therefore waive the mutual rights in the matter of thirty days' 
notice. I think also that under the circumstances I have a right 
to ask you to grant me three months salary from March 1st, or 
$400. This is tendered you after mature deliberation, and must 
be absolute and final. 



The Vestry met on the following evening and ac- 
cepted the rector's resignation, increasing amount re- 
quested to $500, which now placed the parish debt at 
about $5,500. The girls' guild also presented him with 
a purse as a friendly testimonial. 

Mr. Grabau conducted services the following Sun- 
day, and went to Cleveland, where, by appointment of 
the Bishop, he took a temporary place as one of the 
cathedral canons. Afterwards for a short time he served 
in Trinity parish, New York, when he received a call to 
Trinity Church,, Plattsburg, in the diocese of Albany. 
Here he remained for about fifteen years, when he re- 
ceived and accepted a call to Bethesda Church, Saratoga 
Springs, a parish of 790 communicants, whose previous 
rector had served for over forty years. His relations in 
that diocese have been most pleasant, and he has usually 
been one of the clerical deputies to the General Conven- 
tion. 

The Vestry was re-elected at Easter with but little 
opposition, but the task before it was not an easy one. 
While it was sustained by the majority of the parish, yet 
it was confronted with the desirability of avoiding what 
threatened to be a permanent division, of selecting a rec- 
tor whose Churchmanship would not only be satisfactory 
to the constituents who had placed the members in office, 
but having sufficient breadth and tact to reconcile the op- 



190 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

position and heal the sores occasioned by past differences. 
In addition there was the incubus of a large indebtedness 
and high scale of expenses to be carried by a decreased 
revenue. But they went to work without delay, by cor- 
respondence with the Bishop and others to meet the situa- 
tion. Arrangements were at once made for maintaining 
regular services without interruption. Clergymen were 
obtained temporarily as far as possible, and during the 
summer the congregation was very acceptably served by 
Rev. J. D. Donahoo, of Missouri, then visiting his former 
home at New Cumberland, W. Va. During the intervals 
lay reading was conducted by H. B. Grier. Mr. Timber- 
lake resigned from the Vestry, and J. B. Doyle was 
elected to fill the vacancy on June 16. 

After canvassing the merits of different persons, the 
Vestry finally on September 17, 1895, extended a call to 
Rev. George W. Hinkle, formerly rector of Grace 
Charch, Cleveland, and at that time of St. Michael's par- 
ish. Maryland, at a salary of $1,200 per year. Mr. Hin- 
kle was not unknown to St. Paul's congregation, having 
officiated here on one or more occasions, and was highly 
recommended by Bishops Leonard, Whitehead and 
others. He was an exceptionally able preacher, second 
to none who had filled St. Paul's pulpit, a good reader, 
an earnest worker, and a strong, conservative Church- 
man. It was believed that if anyone could solve the diffi- 
cult problem of restoring unity he was the one to do it. 
Mr. Hinkle visited the parish on St. Michael's and All 
Angels' Day, which happened to fall on Sunday that year, 
celebrating the Holy Communion and preaching at both 
services, which were full choral, as had been the custom. 
At the close of Evensong he made a short address to the 
congregation, stating that he would return the call to 
the Vestry, and if renewed he would carefully consider 
it, but if he came he must be rector of all and not part 



CHANGES AND TROUBLES. 191 

of the congregation. He returned the call to the Vestry 
the next day, which was at once unanimously renewed. 
Negotiations were then opened with representatives of 
the dissatisfied section as to what changes were necessary 
to insure their support, and an understanding was 
reached whereby the office of Morning Prayer was to be 
said in connection with the celebration of the Holy Com- 
munion on the first Sunday of the month, the cup was to 
be delivered into the hands of the communicants, the 
Nicene Creed to be said instead of sung, Choral Even- 
song to be had only once a month, with possibly some 
other minor matters. The rector reserved the right, how- 
ever, on high festivals to have everything just as he 
thought best, to which cordial assent was given. Formal 
acceptance of the rectorship was presented at Vestry 
meeting held October 11, at which time seventy-nine an- 
nual pledges aggregating about $200 were presented from 
persons who had not subscribed at Easter. Mr. Hinkle 
began his ministrations here on All Saints' Day, 1895. 

Mr. Barclay having died on February 4, 1896, his 
place on the Vestry was rilled by D. W. Beall at the en- 
suing election. H. L. Doty and Alfred Day were the 
convention delegates. Communicants reported, 210; 
Sunday School scholars, 75, with 8 teachers. An episco- 
pal visitation was had on March 17 when twenty- four 
were confirmed. This was followed by a visitation by 
Bishop Peterkin, of West Virginia, on July 10, with a 
confirmation class of twenty-six. George Barthold, Jr., 
succeeded Mr. Dougherty the next year on the Vestry. 

During the rectorships of Messrs. Grange and Wil- 
liams, members of the St. Andrew's Brotherhood from 
Cleveland and Pittsburgh visited the parish for the pur- 
pose of urging the formation of a local chapter, but noth- 
ing definite was done in this direction until after Mr. 
Hinkle's arrival, when a branch was formed which oper- 



193 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

ated for about a year. It was succeeded by a junior 
branch, which was quite successful, but lapsed in the 
course of time, so the brotherhood is not at present rep- 
resented in Steubenville. 

The buildings on the lot north of the church being 
out of repair, they were given to B. Mettenberger for 
removal, and the lot enclosed with a neat iron fence, 
afterwards extended around the church. 

As related in the opening pages of this volume, 
Church services were held at Steubenville, then known by 
the name of Fort Steuben, soon after the coming of Dr. 
Doddridge to this part of the country in 1792. The exact 
date of the first service here was not known, but it was 
known that by 1796 the offices of the Church were regu- 
larly performed here, and hence it was decided to hold a 
centennial commemoration of that fact. While Dr. Dod- 
dridge doubtless visited here during the spring and sum- 
mer, yet it was concluded that autumn would be the most 
convenient time for this celebration, and, accordingly, 
Sunday, October 11, was fixed as the date. Large con- 
gregations were present at all the services, including sev- 
eral descendants of Dr. Doddridge. 

The exercises began with an early celebration of the 
Holy Communion in the chapel by Rev. C. K. P. Coggs- 
well, of St. Andrew's Church, Baltimore, formerly assist- 
ant at St. Paul's, being assisted by the rector, and Her- 
bert W. Nichols as server. Full Choral Communion fol- 
lowed at 10 :45, the service being Morley in G, with 
Tours's Nicene Creed in F. The anthemi was the beauti- 
ful one, "As Pants the Hart," from Spohr's Crucifixion, 
with Master C. Earl Quimby as soloist. Rt. Rev. W. A. 
Leonard, Bishop of the diocese, was celebrant, with Rev. 
Mr. Hinkle as deacon, and Rev. C. D. Williams, of Cleve- 



CHANGES AND TROUBLES. 193 

land, former rector, as sub-deacon. Bishop Leonard was 
the preacher, taking his text from Haggai II., 9 : 

"The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the 
former, and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of 
Hosts." 

After a review of the circumstances under which the proph- 
ecy was made the Bishop proceeded to pay a tribute to Rev. Dr. 
Doddridge and the parish located here in this romantic valley 
on the green banks of this winding river and among the refined 
and intelligent generation who have been nurtured here., as a 
religious center and home in which the ancient verities have 
been regularly and faithfully taught and the holy sacraments 
have been rightly administered. Its children rise up to-day 
and call it blessed, and this entire community will, I am confi- 
dent, pay its tribute of gratitude to this venerable mother. She 
has reared noble sons and loving daughters, and whether they 
be in the flesh or in the land of light, this festal day is one in 
which all join as in a full Te Deum. This parish, too, has been 
singularly fortunate in its pastors. They have been men of gen- 
tle breeding, pious conversation and consistent living, and they 
have been faithful as stewards and diligent as priests. And they 
to this day, some in Paradise and some in distant parts of the 
earthly vineyard, with our brother beloved (would that I might 
with propriety speak in this presence of his loyal, patient, 
steady, loving labors) these shepherds of the flock, are devoutly 
rejoicing in the approval of the great Shepherd and King. For 
the light that illumines the pathway of the past has taken a new 
brightness and enlarged the circumference of its radiance, and 
it is burning with the increased glory of the Most High who 
has condescended to have his dwelling place among men. And, 
my brethren, this beautiful temple, with its manifest improve- 
ments, its complete equipment, its ornate and beautiful behold- 
ings is illustrative of the present status of our Anglo-Catholic 
heritage, in this land of intelligence, and prophetic of the days 
that are nigh at hand. The outlook of the parish is typical of 
the outlook of the Church. What a singular privilege is ours 
this day. We who are the descendants of the fathers, and the 
inheritors of those pioneers and progenitors who first estab- 
lished this parish and this diocese! To look back over one hun- 
dred years of life and experience is to examine with interest 
the historic records of a community and to study the trials, 
tribulations joys, successes and achievements of several gen- 
erations. It is a duty and an opportunity that we should accept 
reverently for its triumphs and even for its mistakes. No man 
may read his own or contemporary record aright. We can only 
accept the results. It is impossible for us to know the cares, 
the anxieties, the perplexing problems, the experiments, the lov- 
ing petitions, the solemn determinations that have moved the 



191 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

century life of this society of souls. Policies that seemed 
blameable to the men of one generation become glorious in 
light of later days. Actions and undertakings that provoked 
criticism at the time of their inception are ften the laurel 
crowned when the cycle has moved around its orbit. You and 
I are quite incompetent to pass judgment or to scrutinize the 
results, we must leave that to God. To look back one hundred 
years is to stand with the venerable and loving Bishop Philan- 
der Chase, misjudged, antagonized, even pursued by his oppo- 
nents. But to-day we applaud and take pride in his indomita- 
ble will, his large vision and splendid enterprise. To look back 
one hundred years is to stand with that gentle, patient, humble 
minister of Christ, Rev. Intrepid Morse, who for nearly 50 years 
went in and out among his people. There were very decided 
differences of opinion and contradictions of policy and even con- 
flicts of judgment in those more than forty years. It would be 
surprisingly strange if this had not been the case. But to-day 
the memory of so just and pious a priest of God is blessed 
here, and his chief monument is the gracious accomplishment 
of these days in which we are dwelling. This is so in the cen- 
tury of the Nation's life, and it is true of the diocese and of the 
parish. But the foundations were laid in faith, and they are 
sure and they point ever upwards, and they are the indices of 
the greater work still remaining to be done for man and for our 
Divine Lord. 

Passing from local matters the Bishop proceeded to a short 
sketch of the Church at large, and its early struggles in this 
country. From 1776 to 1830 this branch of God's Church 
seemed to be but a despised sect of Nazarenes, and it has taken 
each of the years, years of confidence and faith, since 1830, to 
bring her life into that kind of touch with the general life of 
our great land, that will approve to all men the superior beauty 
and value of her system where so many rival systems have 
flourished. I believe that I am correct in stating that in our 
great Eastern cities and centres of power and thought it is not 
Romanism, nor Methodism, nor Presbyterianism whose masters 
and whose influence predominate, but that the Anglo-Catholic 
Church — our American Episcopal Church — is the most potent 
factor in controlling and molding public and private opinion. 
So that to-day, rising with the rich and strong glow of this clos- 
ing century, and standing against the background of the past 
our precious church is found in thte presence of all the religious 
communions, calmly, majestically, lovingly with her hands 
stretched out, offering a bond of unity and of peace, which is 
already bringing to her the approval and the glory of her God, 
and I see this leaven of Catholic truth and order working in 
the seething mass of our Western life. In this restless, almost 
uncontrollable civilization our Church has quietly made her way. 
She stirs up no unwholesome excitement. She has no mission 
of fanaticism or radicalism, but as a conservator of truth and a 
peace giving, tender, helpful friend, she has been and is content 



CHANGES AND TROUBLES. 195 

to patiently labor, ever presenting the faith and sacraments, and 
never faltering in her walk and work. I can see what the out- 
come will be, nay, I know what it is already, and with no opti- 
mistic vision can foretell for the West the latter glory of this 
church's service. "In quietness and confidence shall be your 
strength," and sometimes it is even "strength to sit still." And 
you and I must be content with the performance of our own 
duty well done, leaving issues witih "Him who sitteth over all. 
our God forever." The late Archbishop Taite, of Canterbury, 
was wont to say that during his ministry, he had seen the 
Church pass through many crises Unscathed and unharmed, 
and that "we have much need for something changeless to rest 
upon in these changeful >and ever anxious times." And this is a 
characteristic of the Church, changeless because She is the Body 
of Christ. What a solid comfort comes to the devout Chu*'^- 
man as he realizes this. He finds that opinions of men and of 
factions and parties vary and are set aside as obsolete, he sees 
governments rising, flourishing, decaying and dead. He notes 
the remarkable diversity in literary styles and standards all the 
way down from Chaucer to Tennyson, he regards the mutability 
of that code which in each generation attempts to criticise art 
and her masters and pupils, he is amazed at the constant fluctu- 
ations, the recurrent ebbs and flows of the rules of science, and 
then he turns to the Church and finds her ever the same; just 
like his mother, older it is true than when he clambered on her 
knee, wiser, r : per, fitter for another world, but the same dear 
mother and friend, guide, teaching the same creeds, reading the 
same Bible, refreshing souls with the sacraments and minister- 
ing with the same Apostolic hands to her loving children. 
**Sometimes we grow restive-under the slowness of the Church's 
developmen,., I confess that I do ias I see her compelled to wait 
aside, perhaps humiliated, as the more brilliant and noisier 
pageants go by. But you and I, my brothers, have nothing to 
do with results. We have but to work and pray. You and I 
have no right to fret and worry over small confirmation classes 
or small congregations or meagre attendance at Holy Com- 
munion. We have but to toil, and wait for the increase from 
God, confident as to the ultimate mission of our Church to the 
intelligent, strong humanity all about us. So absolutely filled 
with hope that is based upon a knowledge of the Church's char- 
acter, her historic continuity, back of English transmissions, 
back of the Reformation, back of the Papal identification, back 
of St. Augustine and Kent, back of Aries and St. Alban's, back 
to St. John and to Jesus Christ that the look forward is aglow 
with the fulllfiment of the Prophet's vision, and resplendent 
with the promise of the Lord Himself, and that onward gaze to 
each should show the latter glory to be greater than anything 
the Fathers dreamed of, a glory filling the Church and Nation, 
bringing contentment to united Christians of every name, the 
harmonious dwelling together of 'brethren, this is the peace that 
passeth all understanding. 



196 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

A grander sermon, of which the above is only an 
abstract, was probably never preached in St. Paul's, and 
was heard with breathless attention throughout. 

At the night service after Choral Evensong the rec- 
tor made a short address, giving a condensed review of 
the history of the parish, and concluding with the follow- 
ing tribute to his immediate predecessor : 

It was my privilege to know Mr. Grabau, and a more spirit- 
ually minded and self-sacrificing priest it would be most diffi- 
cult to find in the American Church. He was intensely in 
earnest, and his one aim and purpose was to bring people to a 
realizing sense of the love of God for their souls and to show 
them how to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. He, 
like other faithful priests, could not understand how love to 
God could be nourished without devotion to and participation in 
the Great Sacrament of Love, the Holy Communion. He was 
misunderstood by some, and in what he conceived to be the 
interests of peace and harmony resigned the parish on Ash 
Wednesday, 1895. * * * The many vicissitudes through 
which the parish has passed demonstrate to us clearly in this 
respect the guiding hand of God. From what He has done for 
us in the past, we can trust Him for the future. We can ex- 
claim with the Psalmist: "Peace be within thy walls and plen- 
teousness within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' 
sake, I will wish thee prosperity. Yea, because of the house of 
the Lord our God, I will seek to do thee good." 

Mr. Williams extended congratulations to his for- 
mer parishioners, and delivered one of his always able 
sermons, calling attention to the beneficent work of the 
Church, and the underlying motive, which was the per- 
sonality of Jesus Christ Himself. 

Mr. Cogswell gave a sketch of the rise and growth 
of religious orders in the Church, and the Bishop dis- 
missed the vast congregation with the greater benedic- 
tion. 

On the following evening a reception was given by 
the women in the parish house, where letters were read 
by absent members, and interesting reminiscences from 
Miss Mary O. Chase, of Gambier, who was unable to 
attend. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



DIVISION OF THE PARISH. 

Petition for Separation — Consents Granted — Third Ordination 
Service — Fruitless Effort Towards Reunion — Fourth Ordi- 
nation — Imposing Services — Correction of Name — Death of 
Mrs. Hinkle and Rector's Resignation — Rev. J. W. Foster 
Called — First Midnight Service — Debt Reduction — 'Mr. Fos- 
ter Resigns — Finances Improved. 

Amid the festivities of the centennial celebration 
there was one serious drawback. Those who had been 
dissatisfied with the situation at St. Paul's were conspic- 
uous by their absence, in fact, had already taken the nec- 
essary steps towards forming- a separate parish. It was 
the hope of the new rector that his advent would serve 
to unite the different parties, and he no doubt honestly 
worked to that end. But, as previously intimated, other 
matters had become so interwoven with the situation that 
it could not be unraveled. Mr. Hinkle's ministations 
were not satisfactory to the dessidents, who continued to 
withhold substantial support, until finally the rector an- 
nounced that he did not consider himself longer bound 
by the limitations made when he entered upon his duties. 
This brought matters to a crisis, and in August, 1896, a 
petition signed by sixty persons was presented to the ec- 
clesiastical authority of the diocese (Bishop and Standing 
Committe), asking permission to establish a new parish. 
The signers to this petition were Andrew A. Elliott, 
Charles and Joanna D. Gallagher, George E., Sarah B., 
Alex. B., Mary C, and Abbie F. Sharpe,W. M. and Eva 
L. Beall, James M. and Carrie U. Reynolds, George A., 
Sarah M. and Hetty Maxwell, Martha R. Marion, La- 
fayette, Mrs. L. V., Sarah E. and Florence Elson, Agnes 



193 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

J. and J. B. Nicholson, Thomas and Charlotte M. Frith, 
Mary and Kate H. Thompson, Mrs. Alex, and Alex. 
Lee, William K. Robinson, Mrs. Mary Irwin, Miss E. A. 
Beatty, John and Ann A. Bustard, Rachel S. G. Elliott, 
Robert R., Mary M. and Marion Cox, William H. and 
Mary C. Garrett, Mrs. George, Helen, Clara and Alice 
Harper, Laura G. Parks, Mary H. and Jessie W. Brown, 
Elizabeth S. and Mary Wood, William H., John A. and 
Fannie Caldwell, Jane Armstrong, Elisha Hamilton, 
3arah Irwin, Bertha and Mary McMurray, J. W. and 
Fay Jordan, William Thompson, James D. Gallagher. 

Dr. Elliott, acting for the petitioners, in his letter 
forwarding the petition, says: "We do not claim that 
another parish is necessary here on account of the 
crowded condition of St. Paul's, but rather that after two 
years trial no reconciliation of the factions is possible. 
We ask in the interest of harmony and the welfare of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church in this city that the per- 
mission to establish the new parish be granted as speedily 
as possible." 

Copies of these documents were sent to the rector 
of St. Paul's with the suggestion by the Bishop that con- 
sent be given to the formation of the new parish, as Steu- 
benville was now a city of at least 14,000 people, and 
hence another and smaller parish could easily be main- 
tained. There would be no friction between the two rec- 
tors, and in time the breach would be healed. Mr. Hin- 
kle, on behalf of himself and Vestry, promptly assented 
to these suggestions, and authority was given to organize 
the new parish on condition that its place of worship 
should not be within a mile of St. Paul's. The petition- 
ers desired to lease a building on the corner of Franklin 
and Fifth streets, formerly used as a Presbyterian mis- 
ion chapel, and this proving to be slightly within the mile 
limit, Mr. Hinkle, with the concurrence of all the mem- 



DIVISION OF THE PARISH. 199 

bers of the Vestry, on September 14, gave consent to its 
use by the prospective parish. A few days later this con- 
sent was enlarged to permit ''erecting a church building 
in any part of the city north of Logan street," which was 
a fraction over half a mile above St. Paul's. The subse- 
quent history of the new organization which took the 
name of St. Stephen's is given later. 

The Girls' Guild of St. Paul's during Thanksgiving 
week gave an opera, "Princess Bonnie," which netted 
$225 to be applied on the parish debt. 

The third ordination in St. Paul's parish was held 
on December 7, 1898, when Rev. A. C. Jones, of Wells- 
ville, and Rev. S. Fison, of Berea, were advanced to the 
priesthood. The processional was Hymn 507, "The Son 
of God Goes Forth to War," and the academic hoods of 
the clergy and vestments made a brilliant color spectacle. 
Mr. Hinkle read the preface to the Ordinal, and Rev. 
Frank DuMoulin, rector of Emmanual Church, Cleve- 
land, and son of the Bishop of Niagara, preached the 
sermon. The impression at that time was that the 
preacher would make his mark in the Church, an opinion 
which has since been fully verified. Shortly after this 
ordination Mr. DuMoulin was called to St. Peter's 
Church, Chicago, and when Dr. Williams left Cleveland 
in 1905 to become Bishop of Michigan, he was succeeded 
at Trinity Cathedral by Dr. DuMoulin, who in turn was 
consecrated Bishop Coadjutor of Ohio on January 8, 
1914, in one of the most imposing ecclesiastical functions 
ever witnessed in this country. While residing in Chi- 
cago Dr. DuMoulin married Miss King, granddaughter 
of Martin Andrews, a former Vestryman of St. Paul's, 
Steubenville. 

Canon O. E. Watson, of Trinity Cathedral, now of 
Gambier Seminary, presented the candidates, and Bishop 
Leonard was the celebrant in the Eucharist which fol- 



200 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

lowed. Rev. E. W. Cowling, of St. Stephen's, read the 
Gospel, and Rev. N. S. Thomas, of Wheeling, now 
Bishop of Wyoming, the Epistle. Rev. Messrs. Mar- 
shall, of Wellsburg, and Weary, of East Liverpool, also 
participated. The offering was devoted to the theological 
seminary at Gambier. At the close of the two hours' 
service the women served luncheon to the clergy in the 
parish house. 

H. B. Grier succeeded H. L. Doty as Vestryman in 
1899, but he resigned, and C. C. Long was chosen in his 
place. Messrs. Grier and Maxwell were the convention 
delegates from St. Paul's, reporting 220 communicants 
and 75 Sunday School scholars, with 10 teachers. 

At the regular meeting of St. Paul's Vestry held 
on April 4, 1899, Dr. F. S. Maxwell made a statement 
concerning a conversation with H. B. Grier relative to a 
suggested reunion with members of St. Stephen's parish, 
whereupon the following was presented and adopted : 

At a regular meeting of the Vestry of St. Paul's Church 
held this Tuesday evening, April 4, 1899. Dr. F. S. Maxwell re- 
ported a conversation he had with Mr. H. B. Grier with refer- 
ence to what action St. Paul's Vestry would take towards re- 
ceiving back the members of St. Stephen's organization should 
a disposition be found among them so to do. Upon hearing 
this the Vestry immediately passed the following resolution 
unanimously: 

Resolved, That it is the sense of this Vestry, representing 
the sentiment of the congregation of St. Paul's, to extend to 
the members of St. Stephen's parish a cordial invitation to re- 
turn to St. Paul's permanently and assure them a warm wel- 
come. 

Several informal conferences were held without 
reaching any definite result, and at the meeting on May 2 
the secretary presented the following communication : 

At a called meeting of the Vestry of St. Stephen's Church 
held Monday, April 24, 1899, a resolution passed by the Vestry 



DIVISION OF THE PARISH. 201 

of St. Paul's Church was read, and its receipt is hereby acknowl- 
edged. The following resolution was adopted: 

Resolved, That the resolution passed by St. Paul's Vestry 
April 4, 1899, has been considered by the Vestry of St. Steph- 
en's Church, and that should the Vestry of St. Paul's Church 
desire to take any further steps in the spirit of that resolution 
we will receive it in a Christian spirit and give it due considera- 
tion. 

The informal conferences already mentioned having 
shown that there was no probability of coming to an 
agreement, the matter was not further pursued. 

J. B. Griffith succeeded Mr. Long as Vestryman in 
1900, and Messrs. Forney and Doyle were convention 
delegates. During this year the Girls' Guild contributed 
a special fund of $325 towards the support of the parish, 
and it was due to that organization and the women's 
society, together with the efficient management of the 
treasurer, Miss Anna Robinson, that the parish was en- 
abled to tide over the financial depression for a number 
of years and meet all current obligations. By request 
the baccalaureate sermon to the graduating class of the 
Steubenville High School was preached by Mr. Hinkle 
after Choral Evensong on Sunday, June 17, the church 
being crowded to the doors with people standing in the 
aisles. Like all of Mr. Hinkle's efforts, the sermon was 
a masterly effort. 

Knights Templar, Knights of Pythias and Elks at- 
tended services at times in a body. It may be noted that 
probably the first service of this character held in Steu- 
benville was on Thanksgiving Day, 1876, when the 
Knights Templar, under command of Capt. James H. 
Blinn, attended St. Paul's in a body. The elevation of 
swords at the reading of the gospel was specially im- 
pressive. Services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Pitts, 
and the sermon was by Rev. Dr. Washburne, of Grace 
Church, Cleveland, who perished in the dreadful railroad 
disaster at Ashtabula bridge on the evening of December 



202 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

29, 1876. Visits of Knights Templar were subsequently 
repeated on Easter, 1898, 1903 and 1904. • 

The parish was represented in convention in 1901-2 
by Mr. Forney, and on June 9, of the former year, Rev. 
William A. Grier, of this parish, who had been ordained 
deacon at Gambier, on Sunday morning, June 24, 1900, 
was advanced to the priesthood. The services of this 
day were the most imposing in the history of St. Paul's/ 
the musical portion being treated more at length in the 
chapter specially pertaining to that subject. The preface 
to the Ordinal was read by Mr. Hinkle, and the candi- 
date was presented by Rev. Mr. Watson, canon of Trin- 
ity Cathedral, Cleveland. Rev. John Mockridge, of De- 
troit, a relative of Mr. Grier, preached the sermon, and 
after singing the hymn, "Oh, 'Twas a Joyful Sound to 
Hear," Bishop Leonard proceeded to the celebration of 
the Holy Communion, which was full choral. Mr. Mock- 
ridge read the epistle, and Mr. Hinkle the gospel, the 
newly ordained priest assisting in delivering the elements 
to the people. In the evening the Bishop, who had vis- 
ited St. James's in the afternoon, confirmed a class of 
nine, with a congregation that packed the church. 

At a meeting of the Vestry held on February 6, 
1903, a communication was received from the women's 
society proposing the redecorating and recarpeting of the 
church, which was carried out at an expense of about 
$700, the walls being repainted, sentences restored, 
crosses at west end and between the side windows, etc. 

The Vestry elected at the May election, consisting of 
nine members, included John P. Means and Alfred Day, 
Wardens; George P. Harden, John Bishop, John Bar- 
thold, J. W. Forney, J. B. Griffith, Charles Specht and 
Joseph B. Doyle. The convention delegates were Messrs. 
Bishop, Barthold and Doyle, it being the first time in 
many years that the parish had a full representation. 



DIVISION OF THE PARISH. 203 

The parochial report gave 197 communicants and 80 
Sunday School scholars, with 10 teachers. Total re- 
ceipts and offerings for all purposes were $3,683.79, of 
which $1,000 was for repairs and improvements, and $55 
towards reduction of parish debt. 

The General Convention of the Church, which met 
in San Francisco in 1901, appointed a committee, of 
which Bishop Whitehead, of Pittsburgh, was chairman, 
to take into consideration the "change of name" for the 
Church requested by the Diocese of Milwaukee, on the 
ground that the title "Protestant Episcopal" was objec- 
tionable for several reasons, and report its finding to the 
next General Convention. That committee, before mak- 
ing any recommendation, requested the expression of 
opinion from each diocese and missionary district as to 
the desirability of any change, and, if so, what should be 
substituted as the Church's legal title. At the Diocesan 
Convention of 1903 the Bishop called attention to the 
matter, and while conceding that the present name was 
not "euphonious," deprecated hasty action in the matter. 
Resolutions from the Cleveland Clericus and Toledo 
Convocation were presented and referred to a committee 
consisting of Rev. A. L. Frazer, St. John's Church, 
Youngstown; Rev. G. H. McGrew and Rev. E. W. 
Worthington, St. Paul's and Grace Churches, Cleveland, 
and Messrs. Robert West, W. M. Reynolds, and A. A. 
Strong, which committee the next day, May 13, unani- 
mously reported the following for consideration and 
without recommendation : 



Whereas, The General Convention, through its joint 'com- 
mittee appointed at San Francisco, has requested the conven- 
tions of the various dioceses to express an opinion as to the 
name of the Church; therefore, 

Resolved, That the Convention of the Diocese of Ohio 
hereby approves the present movement for "the better naming- 
of the church." 



204 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Resolved, That the Convention of the Diocese of Ohio de- 
sires that the determination of the time for taking such pro- 
posed action, if it be taken, together with the suggestion of 
what shall be a more adequate title, be left to the judgment of 
the General Convention, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost. 

The resolutions were ably championed by Rev. 
Messrs. Worthington and McGrew, of Grace and St. 
Paul's Churches, Cleveland; L. E. Daniels, of Toledo, 
Profs. Stone and Streibert, of Gambier, and others, the 
opposition being led by Dean Williams and Rev. Mr. 
Stearley, of Emmanuel Church, Cleveland. 

Mr. Williams offered the following substitute, which 
was tabled : 

'Resolved, That in the opinion of the Convention of the 
Diocese of Ohio it is inexpedient at this time to make any 
change in the legal title and name of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church in the United States of America. 

The vote on the preamble and resolutions as reported 
by the committee stood as follows : Clergy, ayes, 32 ; 
noes, 24. Lay delegates, ayes, 22; noes, 26. Although 
the ballot showed a majority of the convention present 
in favor of the resolutions, yet they were lost by a non- 
concurrence of orders. It may be added that when a 
similar proposition came before the General Convention 
at Cincinnati in 1910, a like condition prevailed. The 
total vote showed a majority of the deputies to be favor- 
able to the change, but concurrence of the laity failed by 
one vote. In the interests of harmony the matter was 
passed over without action by the New York Convention 
of 1913. The rector of St. Paul's, with Messrs. Bishop 
and Doyle, voted for the resolutions, and Mr. Barthold 
in the negative. St. Stephen's Church, East Liverpool, 
voted in the affirmative. 

On motion of Mr. Hinkle, J. B. Doyle was elected 
member of the Educational Committed of the diocese. 




ANGEL OF THE RESURRECTION, JAMES MEANS MEMORIAL. 



DIVISION OF THE PARISH. 205 

An interesting event of the convention was the lay- 
ing of the cornerstone of the new Trinity Cathedral on 
the afternoon of the 12th. The rector and delegates took 
part in the services, and the cathedral choir banner was 
borne by Master Hayes Worstall, of St. Paul's choir. 

Mr. Hinkle continued to occupy the old rectory for 
sometime after his arrival, afterwards removing to 529 
North Fourth street, where, on August 4, 1901, his wife, 
Caroline, died after a protracted illness, and a requiem 
celebration of the Holy Communion was held on the 7th 
in connection with the burial service at which Rev. A. L. 
Frazer was the celebrant. Other clergy present were Rev. 
J. N. Brittingham, of Wheeling, and Rev. H. L. Gay- 
lord, of St. Stephen's, Steubenville. The service was full 
choral, Prof. H. W. Matlack presiding at the organ. Mr 
Hinkle's mother and sister kept house for him until in 
November, 1903, when he unexpectedly received a call 
from Christ Church, Waterloo, Iowa, which, after care- 
ful consideration, he decided to accept. Accordingly, on 
November 18 he tendered his resignation to the Vestry, 
to take effect on December 15 following. The resigna- 
tion was accepted with reluctance and expressions of sin- 
cere and deep regret, saying that "During the eight years 
of his rectorship he has endeared himself to all the mem- 
bers of this parish and of the entire community by his 
dignified manner, his social qualities, his ability as a 
preacher and his entire devotion to all who were in need, 
sickness, or any other adversity." 

A largely attended farewell reception was given Mr. 
Hinkle at the parish house, at which he was presented 
with a purse, which was followed by receptions by sev- 
eral fraternal organizations and others, indicating the 
position which the recipient had won in the community. 

Mr. Hinkle came to St. Paul's at the most critical 
period in the history of that parish. While the formal 



206 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

separation did not take place until after his arrival, yet 
the breach was already made beyond human power to 
repair. What he did accomplish was to keep the parish 
from further disintegration and maintain its credit in a 
dignified ritual, pulpit oratory and good works generally. 
During his rectorship current expenses were provided 
for, and a material reduction made in the parish indebt- 
edness. A parish paper was also published at this time. 
Mr. Hinkle has made several visits to his old charge, 
where he has always met with a cordial reception. He 
has been likewise successful in his new charge. 

The departure of Mr. Hinkle caused no break in the 
services, Rev. J. W. Bedford-Jones, of the Church of the 
Good Shepherd, Columbus, officiating the following Sun- 
day and Rev. D. F. Davies, of Gambier, on Christmas 
Day and the Sunday following. Arrangements were 
then made with Rev. J. W. Foster, of Hobart, in the Dio- 
cese of Albany, to take charge during January, and be- 
fore the month was out he was called to the rectorship 
at a salary of $1,350, afterwards increased to $1,500. 

At the succeeding election J. B. Doyle was chosen 
Senior Warden, and H. W. Nichols to the vacancy on 
the Vestry, becoming secretary. Mr. Doyle was conven- 
tion delegate. 

A pleasant incident of this spring was the presenta- 
tion of a diamond ring by members of the Vestry to Miss 
Anna Robinson as a slight recognition of her valuable 
services as treasurer of the parish. 

While the subject of restoring the old English cus- 
tom of Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve had been 
discussed, it remained for Mr. Foster to introduce the 
office at St. Paul's this year (1904). The attendance 
was unusually large and the service so impressive that it 
was received with general favor. So in each succeeding 
year 



DIVISION OF THE PARISH. 207 

"On Christmas Eve the bells were rung, 
On Christmas Eve the Mass was sung; 
That only night of all the year 
Saw the stoled priest the chalice rear." 

Mr. Foster also permanently restored to the high 
altar the two ancient eucharistic lights representing the 
divine and human nature of our Lord, and during his 
rectorship reverences towards the altar, and sign of the 
cross were made general. 

A mission was held during the week preceding St. 
Paul's day by Rev. Mr. Lloyd, of Uniontown, which 
was fairly well attended, and a substantial reduction 
made on the debt as reported below. Mr. Lloyd after- 
wards joined the Roman Communion, but after a short 
experience there returned to the American Church. 

On March 27, 1905, the Bishop visited St. Paul's, 
and confirmed a class of twenty-three. At the ensuing 
election James Means was added to the Vestry, and John 
H. Peterson succeeded Mr. Bishop, who removed to 
Erie, Pa. Charles Specht and Alfred Day were the con- 
vention delegates. The annual report showed 208 com- 
municants, 74 Sunday School scholars, with 10 teachers; 
payment on debt of $767.99, and receipts and expendi- 
tures for all purposes, $3,746.14. 

Eighteen were confirmed on April 5, 1906, and the 
convention delegates were Messrs. Forney and Doyle. 
The total receipts and expenses for the year were 
$3,186.16, of which $324 was applied on payment of debt. 
The rector also inaugurated a fund towards building a 
rectory, which amounted to $400, now on interest. 

Mr. Foster spent two months in Canada during the 
summer, the parish being left in charge of Rev. J. Hance 
White, of New Jersey, who died at Palenville, N. J., on 
November 11, 1911, aged 60 years. 



208 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Twelve were confirmed on March 19, 1907. 

At the May election Eli Castner succeeded Mr. 
Griffith on the Vestry, Mr. Specht being the convention 
delegate. The report gave 251 communicants, Sunday 
School scholars, 89, with 13 teachers. The debt was re- 
duced $200, and offerings for all purposes were $3,- 
189.54. The consecration of Trinity Cathedral, Cleve- 
land, on September 24, was attended by the rector and 
Mr. Doyle. 

John Barthold was the convention delegate in 1908. 
Communicants reported, 255 ; Sunday School scholars, 
88; teachers, 11. Indebtedness, $3,615. During this 
year services were held at Toronto and Tiltonville, and 
the former mission was the recipient of a bequest from 
Andrew J. Burch, of Empire, amounting to $400 for a 
church building fund. The money was placed on inter- 
est, and now amounts to $500. Ten persons were con- 
firmed on December 2. 

Early in 1909 Mr. Foster received a qall to St. 
Luke's Church, Marianna, Florida, and, believing that a 
change would improve the health of his family, his res- 
ignation was tendered to the Vestry on February 16. It 
was accepted, and shortly after Mr. Foster left for his 
new charge, accompanied by the good wishes of friends 
and a substantial testimonial. 

It was determined that there should be no interrup- 
tion of Sunday services, and a license having been issued 
by the Bishop to the Senior Warden, as lay reader, the 
choir offices were said or sung regularly throughout the 
spring and summer, it being necessary to close the church 
but one Sunday during that period. Of course, a priest 
was obtained when practicable, especially for celebrating 
the Holy Communion, and Rev. Father Danner, of Pitts- 
burgh, since deceased, visited the parish several times, 
especially on Palm and Low Sundays. July 4 coming on 



DIVISION OF THE PARISH. 209 

Sunday, Rev. George Lamb, of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, 
celebrated, and preached a patriotic sermon, summariz- 
ing the prominent part which the Church and Church- 
men had taken in the Revolution and in establishing our 
Government. 

Each Sunday after Evensong there was an illus- 
trated talk in the parish house on the American Church 
and its history. 

The parish was also visited by Archdeacon Abbott 
and Rev. H. E. Cooke, of Cleveland; Rev. Father Kell, 
of East Liverpool, and others, among whom was its 
present rector. 

Several problems confronted the Vestry at this time. 
There was the old story of the subscription pledges not 
providing a sufficient sum to meet the current expenses 
of the parish, with accumulated arrearages amounting to 
about $700, including missionary pledges and interest on 
the parish house debt, to say nothing of the debt itself. The 
Vestry resolved to face the problem at once, and, with 
the co-operation of the congregation, especially of the 
women's society, clear up these arrearages, increase the 
pledges to a point where the annual deficit would be 
eliminated, and by active collection on account of both 
old and new pledges, place the parish on a firm financial 
foundation before it should be given in charge of a new 
rector. These propositions were cordially received, and 
with thorough harmony of purpose were completely car- 
ried out, together with an appropriation of several hun- 
dred dollars for improving the parish house, and a slight 
reduction on the old funded debt, bringing it down to 
$3,395. 



CHAPTER XV. 

PROSPEROUS YEARS. 

Calling of Rev. W. M. Sidener — Marked Revival of Interest— Par- 
ish Debt Extinguished — Large Increase in Communicants — 
Growth of Sunday School — Enlargement of Parish House — 
Wells Memorial. 

At at meeting of the Vestry held on August 25, 
1909, a call was extended to Rev. William Martin 
Sidener to become rector at a salary of $1,200 and free 
living apartment in the parish house. The call was ac- 
cepted, and Mr. Sidener began his ministrations on Sun- 
day, September 10. The new rector was born at Sturgis, 
St. Joseph County, Michigan, near where Bishop Chase 
had made his temporary home, on August 14, 1874. He 
came to Findlay, Ohio, with his parents in 1889, and 
graduated from the High School in 1894, from Kenyon 
College four years later, and Bexley Hall in 1901, receiv- 
ing the degrees of B. A., M. A., and B. D. ; was ordained 
deacon by Bishop Leonard in 1901, and priest in 1902. 
His first charge was Trinity Church, Fostoria, until 1903, 
then becoming assistant at Christ Church, Detroit, until 
1904; assistant at Christ Church, Fitchburg, Mass., until 
1905 ; rector of St. Eustace and St. Hubert's, Lake 
Placid, N. Y., until 1908 ; and assistant at the Church of 
the Incarnation, New York, until 1909 

Miss Anna Robinson, who had so faithfully filled 
the position of treasurer of the parish through a number 
of trying years, tendered her resignation, which was 
accepted by the Vestry with thanks for the good work 
performed by her. She was succeeded by John H. Peter- 
son. 

William Anderson resigned his position as janitor 



PROSPEROUS YEARS. 211 

on December 1, and was succeeded by William Hopkins, 
Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Bundy, J. Moralee, Oliver Fishell and 
William Donnelly. 

The zeal and energy of Mr. Sidener soon made itself 
manifest in the renewed life of the parish. The Sunday 
School began to increase both in numbers and interest, 
as did the Women's Auxiliary, the Altar Society, etc. A 
branch of the Girls' Friendly Society, the largest organiz- 
ation of girls in the world, was formed, and also a chap- 
ter of the Knights of St. Paul, for older boys and young 
men, and Leonard League for smaller boys. The Junior 
Auxiliary and "Babies' Branch," subsequently called Lit- 
tle Helpers, soon followed. The Women's Guild and 
Auxiliary with Daughters' branch and Altar Chapter en- 
tered upon vigorous work. 

About the beginning of the Advent season the rector 
was attacked by rheumatism, which necessitated the re- 
newal of lay reading for several weeks, and the Christ- 
mas midnight service was celebrated by Rev. Father Kell. 

The first annual banquet of the Knights of St. Paul 
was held on the evening of St. Paul's Day, January 25, 
1910, which included the men of the parish generally. 
Upwards of 100 covers were laid, and an excellent menu 
was served by members of the Girl's Friendly Society 
and others. Addresses were made by the rector, Father 
Kell and others. 

At a meeting of the Vestry held on January 31, the 
rector submitted a plan intended to pay off the old parish 
house debt, which had so long been an incubus. Several 
hundred dollars were at once promised for that purpose, 
and the rector was authorized to solicit pledges from the 
congregation to be redeemed at Easter. The result was 
an Easter offering of $2,221.25, which, with some 
receipts already noted, brought the indebtedness down 
to $1,126.99. This balance was wiped out by 



212 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Thanksgiving Day, making the parish entirely free of 
debt. Contributions for other objects brought the year's 
disbursements up to $5,372.73, exclusive of minor ex- 
penditures by societies and individuals, not recorded. 
John Barthold was the convention delegate, and 315 com- 
municants were reported, including thirty-two confirmed 
on February 2. At a visitation on December 14, forty- 
three were confirmed, making seventy-five for the cal- 
endar year. 

Services of St. Paul's Day, 1911, were conducted 
by the rector, Rev. Father Kell, and Father Sturgis, of 
Wellsville, Rev. Mr. Redhead preaching at Evensong. 
The men's banquet was deferred until February 22, when 
an address was made by Rev. L. W. S. Stryker. 

W. E. Jones was added to the Vestry in 1911, with 
Charles Specht, Sr., convention delegate. The report 
gave 459 communicants (418 resident and 337 commu- 
nicating) ; Sunday School scholars, 150, with 14 teach- 
ers. The Archdeacon reported that: "The mission of 
Holy Cross, Tiltonville, a small town on the Ohio River, 
in the southeastern corner of the diocese, was received 
as an organized mission at a meeting of the Board, Sep- 
tember 19 (1910). Prior to that time, the Bishop of the 
diocese having granted consent, under the leadership of 
Dr. and Mrs. Paul Morrison, communicants, a room had 
been rented and furnished, and services instituted. The 
mission has been greatly aided and encouraged by the 
Rev. William M. Sidener, rector of St. Paul's, Steuben- 
ville, and a student from Bexley Hall, J. A. G. Tappe. 
A thriving Sunday School is now in progress, four hav- 
ing been baptized and a class confirmed. The only other 
Christian body represented in the immediate community 
is the Methodist. There is room for this mission of the 
Church, and it is improving its opportunity." 

A concrete sidewalk was laid around the church 




RT. REV. FRANK DUMOULIN. 




HOLY CROSS MISSION. TIETONVIEEE. 



PROSPEROUS YEARS. 213 

property during the summer, a new iron fence placed on 
the south side, the gift of James Means, and the fence 
previously there moved to the north property line. 
Bishop Leonard visited the parish on November 12, and 
confirmed a class of twenty-three. 

The annual banquet for 1912 was deferred from 
St. Paul's Day to the evening of February 12, in order 
to coincide with the meeting of the Cleveland Convoca- 
tion, which met in Steubenville on that date. The par- 
ish house was neatly decorated with National colors ap- 
propriate to Lincoln's birthday, and the occasion was 
graced by numerous visitors. Rev. A. L. Frazer acted 
as toastmaster, and among the speakers were Rev. W. 
Ashton Thompson, of Lakewood, Cleveland; Dr. G. A. 
Ashman, of Wheeling, on "The Faithful Layman ;" Rev. 
E. B. Redhead, and Rev. W. M. Sidener. H. W. Nich- 
ols and G. B. Pluff responded to the thanks and congrat- 
ulations of the visitors. Rev. Mr. Stryker and Arch- 
deacon Abbott concluded with congratulatory remarks. 

At the next day's session two marked papers were 
read, one by Mr. Redhead on Marriage and Divorce, tak- 
ing the ground that the remarriage of any divorced per- 
son during the life of the other party was contrary to 
Scripture and should not be countenanced by the Church. 
Rev. PI. E. Cooke, son of the great financier of the Civil 
War, made an address on Socialism, claiming that in that 
propaganda sufficient allowance was not made for the 
work done by the brain as well as the hands. By per- 
mission Miss Ella Reeves Bloor, a Socialist organizer, 
made a short address. There was a general discussion 
on missionary topics, and Rev. A. H. Bevans, of Fair- 
mont, W. Va., read a paper on Faith and Order. Dur- 
ing the noon hour the women furnished an excellent 
lunch. A missionary meeting was held in the evening 
with addresses by Rev. Messrs. Stryker and Jenkins. 



214 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

The Vestry chosen at the ensuing election was com- 
posed of J. W. Forney, J. B. Doyle, John Barthold, Chas. 
Specht, Sr., Eli Castner, H. W. Nichols, James Means, 
John H. Peterson, J. H. Timberlake, Edward Jones, E. 
Y. Dougherty, John L. Means, S. L. May and Joseph 
Beatty. W. R. Burgoyne was elected the following year, 
bringing the number up to fifteen. A change in the can- 
ons conferring on the Vestry the duty of choosing the 
Wardens, Messrs. Forney and Barthold were elected. 
Messrs. Barthold, Castner and Doyle were the conven- 
tion delegates, and Rev. W. M. Sidener was appointed 
member of the Committee on Arrearages. The report 
gave 510 communicants, of which 461 were residents, and 
376 actually communicating. Sunday School scholars, 
166, with 15 teachers. Tiltonville reported fourteen com- 
municants and twenty-seven scholars. The Bishop in 
his address said: "In St. Paul's parish the long-stand- 
ing debt has been paid, choice memorial gifts have been 
installed, and great spiritual uplift is apparent. In St. 
Stephen's parish a commodious parish building has been 
completed, and I had the pleasure of dedicating it in 
April. I am so thankful to realize the earnest conditions 
that obtain in the old city on the Ohio River." 

The heating stoves which had, with one exception, 
done service in the church and parish house since the 
erection of those buildings, having become antiquated 
and worn out, the Vestry took up the matter of a new 
system, resulting in a contract with The Consolidated 
Heating Company, of Wellsville, for the erection of a 
furnace in the basement of the parish house with a sys- 
tem of 5,000 feet of steam radiators attached, for $2,400 
with some building changes to cost $150 extra. The 
work of installation was done during the summer and 
fall, and paid for by special offerings. 

Bishop Leonard visited the parish on April 24, 1912, 



PROSPEROUS YEARS. 215 

confirming thirty-two, and again on December 3, con- 
firming twenty-six. The latter date was the tenth anni- 
versary of the rector's ordination to the priesthood, and 
was made the occasion of special services, Mr. Stryker 
preaching in the morning on "The Christian Family," and 
reception in the parish house after Evensong. 

The Christmas exercises, beginning with the mid- 
night Eucharist, were unusually interesting. The "Feast 
of Lights," inaugurated on the feast of the Epiphany 
several years previous by Mr. Foster, was enlarged upon. 
A pyramid was formed in the parish house, an acolyte 
first bringing a lighted candle as a symbol of Christ, the 
light of the world. This was placed at the top of the 
pyramid. Twelve choir boys in their vestments then 
brought candles which were lighted from the central 
flame and represented the Holy Apostles receiving the 
light of the Catholic faith from Christ. Nineteen chil- 
dren then brought candles which were lighted from the 
"Apostle's" candles, representing the bright shining of 
the Incarnation throughout nineteen centuries. Then 
every child in the school brought forward a candle to be 
lighted and these were placed on the pyramid to show 
that they were all "Light Bearers" of Christ, and ready 
to help extend the Glad Tidings which the Angels pro- 
claimed on the first Christmas morn. 

The annual banquet of the Knights of St. Paul was 
held on January 30, 1913, the feature of the evening be- 
ing an address by Rev. Thomas Jenkins, of Fremont, 
Ohio. 

On April 15 the rector and some members of the 
congregation attended the consecration of St. Stephen's 
Church, East Liverpool. At a meeting of the Vestry on 
May 7 the rector's salary was advanced to $1,800, and 
an arrangement ratified by which the Woman's Club of 



216 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

the city should hold its meetings in the parish house at a 
yearly rental of $100, the money to be applied to the rec- 
tor's charity fund. 

Messrs. Barthold, Specht and Forney were the con- 
vention delegates, the report showing 548 communicants, 
472 resident, and 407 actually communicating. Sunday 
School scholars 181, with 26 teachers. An adjourned 
session of the convention was held at Trinity Cathedral, 
Cleveland, on October 2, at which Rev. Frank DuMoulin 
was elected Bishop Coadjutor, and consecrated December 
6 following. 

The General Convention which opened at the Ca^ 
thedral of St. John the Divine in New York on October 8, 
brought together an unusual representation of those who 
had formerly been connected with St. Paul's. Among 
them were Rt. Rev. C. D. Williams in the House of 
Bishops; Rev. Messrs. Grabau, Foster and Benedict 
among the clerical deputies, and Thomas S. Wood, of 
Duluth, among the lay deputies. During the absence of 
Mr. Sidener in New York at this time Rev. R. P. Ernst, 
of Salem, had charge of the parish. 

A confirmation service was held on December 7 with 
a class of sixty, the largest in the history of the parish. 

Service was held at St. Paul's on the evening of Jan- 
uary 21, 1914, in the interest of religious education. 
Earnest addresses were made by the Rev. Franklin Cole 
Sherman, of Akron, on "The Responsibility of the 
Home;" and the Rev. William A. Thompson, of Lake- 
wood, recently deceased, spoke on "Organization by De- 
partments." After the service in the church the congre- 
gation adjourned to the parish house, where the meeting 
took the form of an Institute with opportunity for dis- 
cussion and questions, led by the Rev. G. I. Foster, of 
the Church of the Good Shepherd, Cleveland. The 
teachers of the Sunday School served refreshments. 



PROSPEROUS YEARS. 217 

The fifth annual banquet of the Knights of St. Paul 
was given on February 17. After the supper Mr. Sidener, 
who acted as toastmaster, introduced John W. Wood, of 
New York, Secretary of the Board of Missions and edi- 
tor of the "Spirit of Missions." He made an eloquent 
and earnest address that enthused and inspired all pres- 
ent. He spoke on the duty of men to their own parish 
and community and to the larger missions of the Church, 
at home and abroad. Rev. Robert Kell made an informal 
address and dismissed all with the blessing. 

In the spirit of the resolutions adopted by the Gen- 
eral Convention of 1913, the rector procured a series of 
lectures on social and economic reform, with stereopticon 
views, which were given in the parish house on Friday 
evenings during the following Lent. Cottage services 
were also held at Toronto during Lent on Wednesday 
evenings. 

. On May 3, 1914, Rt. Rev. James H. Van Buren 
visited the parish and confirmed fourteen candidates. 

The growth of the Sunday School, and especially 
the division into primary, intermediate and senior grades, 
had made an enlargement of accommodations for carry- 
ing on this work imperatively necessary. Temporary 
arrangements were made by placing the primary scholars 
in the rector's living quarters, and the seniors in the 
church, but it was apparent that this could only be a 
makeshift. Accordingly Messrs. Peterson and Clark were 
requested to prepare plans for an addition to the parish 
house, which were submitted early in November, 1913, the 
estimated cost to be about $7,500. On the evening of No- 
vember 26, at a social meeting of the men of the parish, 
$5,000 was subscribed for this purpose, which was after- 
wards increased to $7,000. With some alterations the 
plans were approved, but when bids were called for it 
was found that the improvement would cost upwards of 



21S THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

$10,000. As the congregation had had considerable experi- 
ence in carrying indebtedness in the past, this put a tem- 
porary damper on the project, but, as usual, the women 
came to the front, and pledged themselves for an addi- 
tional thousand dollars, which encouraged the Vestry to 
go ahead. It may be remarked here that while there were 
a number of liberal contributions, the work would hardly 
have been made possible at this time had it not been 
for the very generous donation of $2,000 by S. L. May, 
a temporary member of the parish. A building commit- 
tee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Forney, Barth- 
old, Specht and May, and by June 22 the final contracts, 
including practically everything except lighting fixtures, 
were closed as follows : Guy Johnson Contracting Com- 
pany, general contract, $8,725 ; Barthold Bros., plastering 
(estimated), $400; Frazier Plumbing and Heating Com- 
pany, plumbing, etc., $414 ; Steubenville Stone Company, 
cementing basement floor, $55 ; total, $9,594. The Sun- 
day School undertook to do the furnishing. 

Ground was broken for the new structure on June 
12, and by July 1 the foundation was completed. At this 
writing, September 15, the building is under roof, and the 
inside finish is well under way. The general contract 
calls for completion by October 15, 1914, but the proba- 
bilities are that it will be nearer Thanksgiving or Christ- 
mas. 

The new structure joins the old parish house at the 
northeast corner, extending eastward 63 feet 5 inches 
with a width of 25 feet 4 inches. Underneath the whole is 
a 9-foot basement with a laundry 21 feet 4 inches by 12^4 
feet, and boys' recreation room 46x21^3 feet, fitted with 
30-gallon steam boiler, toilet, etc. In place of the small 
kitchen of the old building there is a new one on the first 
floor about 22x13, and a kindergarten apartment 41^2 
x22-feet. The height of this story is 13 feet, and the sec- 




BAPTISTERY. ST. PAUL'S. 



PROSPEROUS YEARS. 219 

ond 10 feet. In the latter is a class room 13j4xl5}4 feet 
with double doors opening into a social room, 46^x22 
feet. A fire escape will be provided at the rear. The 
building can be reached from the old parish house both 
above and below, and in addition on the south side is a 
one-story annex 9^4x11 feet, connecting with the old cor- 
ridor, and divided into two small apartments, one of 
which can be used as an office and the other as a vestibule 
with a door facing a concrete walk leading to Fourth 
street. The interior woodwork is maple and Georgia 
pine, and the massive stone of the outside is in keeping 
with that of the church. Triple windows in each story 
face Fourth street, and the working space of the old par- 
ish house is more than doubled. 

The annual picnic on June 24 was an exceptional one. 
Through the generosity of James Means, as had been 
the case for several years past, the members of the Sun- 
day School were furnished free transportation, and a 
special train was run over the W. & L. E. R. R. to 
Wheeling, where electric cars were taken to the park, five 
miles distant. Here they were joined by Sunday Schools 
from 'the parishes at Wheeling, Bellaire and Martins 
Ferry, and a most enjoyable day was spent. 

Notwithstanding the long prominence of the Wells 
family both in the Church and civic affairs, until recently 
no special memorial to any of its members had been placed 
in their parish church. Accordingly, when the Misses 
Wells expressed their desire to provide such memorial 
the announcement was received with gratification both on 
account of those commemorated and the enrichment that 
it would make to the beauty of the church edifice. This 
memorial took the form of a heavy rood beam of black 
walnut, with the cross and figure of the Saviour above, 
and from which were suspended seven sanctuary lamps 
of beautiful design and finish. On the front of the beam 



220 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

are the Greek letters, Alpha and Omega, and the whole 
design makes a most magnificent entrance to the choir 
and sanctuary. The centre lamp in front of the altar 
gives a ruby glow when lighted, and the others are more 
of a golden order. The memorial was blessed with im- 
pressive services on the third Sunday after Trinity (June 
28), and the rector in his sermon, after a brief sketch of 
the Wells family, among other things said: 

"The word 'rood' is from the Anglo-Saxon, and 
means the Holy Cross on which Christ was crucified. 
Usually it is placed in the entrance of the choir, where it 
may be seen from all parts of the building. It is placed 
on a screen (or on a beam, as we have it), spanning the 
chancel arch. How ancient these rood beams are is un- 
certain, but they were plentiful in Western Christendom 
by the thirteenth or fourteenth century, and numerous in- 
stances still remain in England and elsewhere. Usually 
they were made of wood and richly carved. At the time 
of the Reformation many rood beams and screens in Eng- 
land were destroyed, although many remain to the pres- 
ent day. They were not disturbed under Henry Eighth, 
as some might suppose, but were destroyed in large num- 
bers under his successors. Many of these are now being 
restored, and it is an interesting fact that the rood beam 
in Wells Cathedral, England, has been restored very re- 
cently. 

"The Cross is ever the Christian's symbol of the 
Lord's self-sacrificing love. We should never be ashamed 
of the Cross of Christ ; never ashamed to have it in our 
churches, or before our eyes ; never should we under-esti- 
mate its value as a Christian symbol. Christians in all 
ages have loved to gaze upon the Cross of Christ because 
it means to them that by His death Christ takes away all 
guilt, and the eternal penalty which sin deserves from all 
those, who, through His holy religion are made partakers 



PROSPEROUS YEARS. 221 

of His merit. It is your privilege and mine to glory in it. 
What a help to our devotion it is. Not that we worship 
the wood of the Cross, or put our trust in any material 
thing. But every ornament about the altar helps to re- 
mind us of our dear Lord, the cross, the crucifix, the can- 
dles, the lamps, help us to think of Plis saying, 'I am the 
way, the truth and the life.' The Cross is the way by 
which He leads us to the Father. The lights in the chan- 
cel remind us that He said, 'I am the Light of the world.' 
Seven lamps burning before the altar, remind us of the 
seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, as our beloved Bishop re- 
minded us in an address made in this church at a recent 
confirmation service. Fire is a symbol of God's presence. 
God is Light. These lamps recall the vision of St. John, 
when he saw Jesus and the Throne of God, and the seven 
lights before the altar, as recorded in the Revelation of 
St. John, the Divine. 

"Let us never doubt that these aids to worship and 
devotion are well-pleasing in God's sight. They are the 
outward expression of the love of God and of the rever- 
ence which burns in our hearts. God is pleased when we 
try to make our worship rich and beautiful, the very best 
we can offer. May many souls be drawn to this place, 
now and in future years. May many be blessed by medi- 
tating upon the lessons taught in this beautiful memorial. 
We are all children in a way, we love beautiful things. 
May the crucified Christ be ever lifted up among us ; may 
we glory in the Cross of Christ ; may He be our light un- 
til we are fitted to join 'with Angels and Archangels and 
all the company of Heaven' in the never ending worship 
of God and the Lamb." 

The removal of Mr. Jones from the city left a va- 
cancy on the Vestry which was filled by George B. Huff. 
Messrs. Barthold, Forney and Specht were the conven- 
tion delegates, and the rector was a member of the mis- 



222 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

sionary committee of the diocese, and also of the commit- 
tee on religious education. He was also the celebrant at 
the Eucharist on the second day of the convention. The 
parish report was as follows : 

Families, 448 ; baptized persons, 1,076 ; communi- 
cants last reported, 548 ; added by Confirmation, 60 ; by 
letter, 7 ; otherwise, 20 ; total added, 87 ; lost by letter, 21 ; 
deceased, 13; excommunicanted, 2; total lost, 36; net 
gain, 51; present number, 599; resident communicants, 
518 ; actually communicating, 425 ; dormant, 93 ; non- 
resident, 81 ; address known, 78 ; whereabouts unknown, 3. 
Baptisms, infants, 37 ; adults, 19 ; total, 56. Marriages, 9. 
Churchings, 3. Burials, 36. 

Services, Sundays, 165 ; Holy days, 65 ; other days, 
106 ; total, 325. Holy Communion in public, 118 ; in 
private, 14; total, 132. 

Sunday School, officers and teachers, 26 ; pupils, 
186; total, 212. 

Receipts, missionary offerings, $177.47; open offer- 
ings, $155.83; Easter offerings, $1,288.60; pledges for 
current support, $2,463.75 ; special donations, $450.80 ; 
income from endowment and rents, $318; parish societies, 
$567.67; Sunday School, $656.01; Women's Auxiliary, 
$99.28; Communion alms and Rector's Fund, $644.02; 
total, $6,821.43. 

Disbursements, salaries and expenses, $2,643.66; 
local charities, $310.65; payment of debts, $120; Sunday 
School support, $355.79; repairs, $519.61; total paro- 
chial, $4,469.61. 

Disbursements, Diocesan Convention Fund, $34.83 ; 
Diocesan Mission Fund, $95; Education, $301.73; Ohio 
Church Building Fund, $5; Church Home, $150; S. S. 
Thanksgiving offering, $50 ; St. John's Orphanage, $70 ; 
total Diocesan, $706.56. 




ST. PAUL'S CHANCEL, WITH WELLS MEMORIAL. 



PROSPEROUS YEARS. 223 

Disbursements, missions, general offerings, $85.75 ; 
from societies, $101.55; value of boxes sent, $165; S. S. 
offerings, $149.19; total extra diocesan, $501.49. 

Grand total disbursements, $5,677.66. 
The Education, Church Home and St. John's Orphan- 
age items included payments on account of beneficiaries 
from St. Paul's parish. 

Bishop Leonard in his convention address discussed 
the project of a Centennial history of the Diocese, to be 
published in 1917, announcing the following committee 
in charge of the work : Clergy — Rev. Messrs. George 
F. Smythe and Hosea W. Jones, of Gambier; James H. 
Young, Tiffin ; Louis E. Daniels, Toledo ; Charles C. 
Bubb and Henry E. Cooke, Cleveland; Laity — Thomas 
Kinsman, Warren ; Dr. Fred Smith, O. K. Brooks, C. F. 
Brush and Miss Emma Perkins, Cleveland; Mrs. C. A. 
Dowell, Ashtabula; Joseph B. Doyle, Steubenville. 

As previously stated the Sunday School of the parish 
is divided into thre departments, the senior being under 
the special charge of the rector; intermediate, of Miss 
Jessie Campbell, and primary, of Miss Mary R. Lewis. 

In addition to the Sunday School and chapel fur- 
nishings already noted should be included pictures and 
candelabra by Mrs. F. S. Maxwell and others, and chapel 
alms basin by Mrs. S. K. Wallace. 

The Cadiz church fund, arising from a bequest of 
$59.75 by Mrs. Alice McCarnahan in 1896 now amounts 
to $118.23. 

While Dr. Doddridge doubtless kept a record of the 
ecclesiastical functions performed by him from the time 
he entered upon his ministry, the account of his early 
baptisms, marriages and burials cannot be found, in fact, 
the records of the Wellsburg church, located in his home 
town, only extend back to 1870, shortly after the parish 
was revived by Rev. Mr. Webb. St. Paul's records, how- 



224 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

ever, have been carefully kept from the organization of 
the parish, Rev. Dr. Morse having set a worthy example 
in that respect, which has been followed by his successors. 
Rev. Thomas D. Pitts in his last sermon in old St. Paul's 
gave a summary of duties performed to that time, which 
will be found on page 144. Since then to September 1, 
1014, the record shows SG2 baptisms, 696 confirmations, 
254 marriages, and 626 burials. The grand total is 1,796 
baptisms, 1,213 confirmations, 518 marriages, and 1,241 
funerals. 

St. James's record, beginning with 1815, shows 32 
baptisms to 1822, and 324 from that date to 1861, with 
26 since, or 382 in all. Beginning with Bishop Chase's 
first visitation in 1819, 233 have been confirmed exclu- 
sive of a few in St. Paul's record. There were 77 mar- 
riages between 1825 and 1867, and 109 funerals begin- 
ning: with 1822. The last funeral recorded in the old 
book is that of Armstrong Maley on November 7, 1909 ; 
others are noted in the archives of the city parishes. 

One hundred and twenty-two years have rolled their 
course since Dr. Doddridge began his missionary work in 
this the then western wilderness. That wilderness has 
become a hive of human industry, not exactly blossoming 
as the rose, but what may not be inappropriately called 
the great workshop of the world. Has the Church made 
full use of her opportunity during all this progress, keep- 
ing her banner to the front, and meeting every emergency 
as it arose in a statesmanlike manner, as should be ex- 
pected of those who hold a great treasure, even though it 
be in earthen vessels ? We fear that this question cannot 
be answered affirmatively. There have been faithful 
priests and people, but they lacked the solid support which 
should have given this branch of Christ's Kingdom the 
position it should have held in the community. There 
has been discord where there should have been agree- 



PROSPEROUS YEARS. 225 

ment, and division where there should have been unity. 
But amid it all there is much for which to be thankful, 
and if the lessons of the past are used as beacons to avoid 
pitfalls in the future, they will not have proved useless. 
After all each parish is only a miniature of the Church 
at large, and cannot claim exemption from trial and trib- 
ulation, any more than the greater body of which it is an 
integral part. It has been said that happy is the country 
which has no history, and pious souls no* doubt sometimes 
wish that in this sense the phrase might be applied to the 
Church. But no country without a history ever amounted 
to anything, and the same may be said of the Church un- 
der like conditions. No doubt the division in 1896 was 
a temporary cloud to the Church in Steubenville, convert- 
ing an apparently strong parish into two struggling ones. 
But if so it looks as if God had made the wrath of man 
to praise him. Possibly it was the only way to arouse the 
old church from its self-satisfied complacency. The rapid 
increase of population and territorial extension of the city 
have made two parishes desirable if not a necessity. Each 
one is nearly if not quite as strong as the old church be- 
fore the division, and each has its own special work to do 
and problems to face. May each organization rise to the 
call in its own particular field, and, pursuing its work 
along its own particular lines, with loyalty to the Church, 
strive in friendly rivalry as to which in proportion to its 
numbers, and resources, and the difficulties of the field, 
shall contribute more largely to the spread of Christ's 
Kingdom and bettering of the community in which it is 
placed. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE VESTED CHOIR. 

Historical Resume— Embryo Organizations— Formal Inauguration- 
Remarkable Musical Services— A Record of Industry and Pa- 
tient Work. 

Accounts of the musical department of the services 
at St. Paul's have been given along with other work of 
the parish in the preceding pages of this volume, down to 
the inauguration of the vested male choir. In order, 
however, to do justice to that body of singers and to give 
a clearer idea of the musical progress (and otherwise) 
of the parish duing the last quarter of a century, it was 
deemed best to devote a separate chapter to that subject 
with a resume of previous musical conditions in the 
Church at large. 

The English Church was not without its musicians 
during the pre-reformation period. From the time that 
King Canute bade his oarsmen stop to hear the song of the 
monks as it was wafted over the fens of Ely, there is a 
succession of composers whose merits have not been suf- 
ficiently appreciated, but who by faithful work and devout 
inspiration were building, no doubt, better than they 
knew, and laying the foundations of that school of sacred 
song which today has no superior in Christendom. The 
reformation of the sixteenth century made no break here 
any more than it did in the line of episcopal succession, 
but as the New Learning endued both Church and State 
with revivified intellectual life, the same spirit was mani- 
fested in the rendition of the services, which, in the crys- 
talization of the then modern English tongue, was to be- 
come more and more the property of the people at large. 



THE VESTED CHOIR. 227 

Marbeck, Tallis, Farrant, Gibbon and other composers 
are familiar names even to this day, and their harmonies, 
especially those which have the ancient plainsong for their 
foundations, are the essential part of every properly con- 
ducted choral service. The first part of the Prayer Book 
services to be rendered publicly in English was the Litany, 
which, having been arranged by Crammer, on September 
18, 1547, was sung in St. Paul's Cathedral, London, by 
the kneeling priests and clerks. It is now sung in pro- 
cession according to the ancient practice. Along with the 
anthem as an integral part of the Church service devel- 
oped the Anglican chant, which some purists condemn, 
but which was a necessary outgrowth from the Gregorian, 
which is still desirable for Advent and Lenten seasons, 
but whose time has passed as the sole or even representa- 
tive music of the Church. It is not necessary to do more 
than refer to the Puritan reaction when "the choirs were 
silenced, the singers dispersed, the organs broken down, 
the pipes sold for pots of ale, the books rent in pieces and 
scattered to the winds, and all that was held to minister 
to 'the beauty of holiness' was destroyed in a frenzy of 
'zeal,' as it ws called, but which could only be if it is the 
nature of zeal to express itself in wanton mischief and 
senseless violence." When, after eighteen years of Baby- 
lonish captivity, the Church again came into her own 
there were no trained choir boys to sing, practically no 
organists who could play, and no music to read. Every- 
thing had to begin anew, with the bad example of a cor- 
rupt court, followed by an era of spiritual deadness only 
relieved here and there by such incidents as the trial of 
the seven bishops and the unaffected piety of Queen Anne. 
Then came the Georgian period, with a few great lights, 
by which the standard of cathedral music was elevated, 
and Handel presented his glorious compositions, but this 
did not much affect the parish churches, which were the 



22S THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

real homes of the people. It required the so-called Ox- 
ford movement of the nineteenth century to break the 
deadness here as elsewhere, and the poetry of Keble, and 
the translations of Neale were a fitting prelude to that 
group of composers, whose labors, extending into the 
twentieth century, have made a golden age of English 
Church music. Barnby, Stainer, West, Sullivan, Wood- 
ward, Morley, Mann, Jordan, are stars of the first mag- 
nitude in a brilliant galaxy that not only reflects the best 
traditions of the past, but shines with an original light 
that has no comparison elsewhere. 

Although the American Church in its foundation 
preceded the era of deadness in the Church of England 
already mentioned, yet it did not fail to experience the 
effects of that period. Furthemore, a struggling body in 
a vast wilderness was not well situated to develop its 
artistic side, especially in the way of music. Organs must 
be imported from England, and so must organists, for 
whose work, indeed, there was little opportunity, and as 
for singers, almost anything in that line would pass mus- 
ter. Nevertheless a few organs were brought over 
previous to the Revolution, but when the Church emerged 
from that catyclism very little attention was paid to music, 
especially on the frontier. 

We find, however, that locally St. Paul's Church, 
under the leadership of Mrs. Morse, early began to set as 
high a musical standard as the taste and facilities of those 
days would permit. There were no hymnals, and what 
was known as the Tate & Brady metrical psalms, which 
were bound up with the English Prayer Books, was 
probably used. The General Convention of 1832 author- 
ized a "Selection of Psalms in Metre," being a free 
metrical arrangement of 124 psalms, which was a great 
improvement on the old group, and a hymnal of 212 
hymns with glorias was also now in use, which collection 



THE VESTED CHOIR. 229 

remained unaltered until 1871 with the exception of a 
small supplementary volume of "Additional Hymns," au- 
thorized in 1865. 

In 1858 a tune book of canticles and hymns was pub- 
lished by a committee appointed by the House of Bishops, 
of which Rev. G. T. Bedell, then rector of the Church of 
the Ascension, New York; Rev. W. A. Muhlenberg, 
Church of the Holy Communion, and G. J. Geer, were 
members. Several suggestions are made in the introduc- 
tion, which, considering that the popular choir of that 
period was a quartette of singers in an organ loft at the 
back of the church, and that it was the general practice of 
organists to play florid interludes between the verses of 
hymns, are significant. Both are condemned, and the 
formation of volunteer chorus choirs is suggested, with 
the following special note : 

There are advantages in boy choristers in the treble and alto 
parts, for leading a congregation. Their voices tell with a clear, 
ringing sound, much better for prominence in church than the volup- 
tuous tone which we care only to listen to, and fear to spoil. Boy 
singers, too, can be had in larger numbers, and if any are not to 
your mind, they can be corrected or silenced without that offense 
which, in the case of a lady chorister, might be the occasion of a 
feud in the congregation. They do not require to be screened by 
curtains (which, indeed, should not be allowed to any), but may be 
stationed near the minister as young assistants in celebrating divine 
service. But to make boys serviceable in this way, they must, of 
course, be properly trained. They must have stated lessons during 
the week, under a leader or master who will be concerned for their 
moral and religious as well as their musical education, and who 
will always be with them in church. For this a school is desirable, 
but, as experience has proved, it may be effected by means of classes 
meeting two or three hours a week. The clergyman, however, must 
take the lead, seeking his choristers not only among the poor, but 
among the members of his congregation generally, explaining to 
parents for what an honorable office he wants their sons. He must 
gain their attachment by his affectionate interest in them, inviting 
them to his house, etc., making them feel that they enjoy a special 
share of his pastoral regards. Treated in this way they make the 
best, certainly the most manageable choirs. But let none employ 
them who regard them with no greater favor than is generally ac- 
corded to the race of boys. The principal difficulty is the breaking 
of their voices at an age when they are most useful, which must be 



230 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

provided against by always having younger ones coming on. The 
former treble voices (after two or more years of rest, during 
which they should never be forced), reappear in a lower pitch of 
the scale, tenor, or bass. [Counter-tenor was practically unknown 
in America at this time, and even yet is not utilized to the extent it 
should be as a substitute for the unsatisfactory boy alto. — Author.] 
As to an offset to any trouble with such choristers, there is the 
consideration, besides the immediate service they render, of the 
probable good effects upon themselves. They are under influences 
attracting them to the Church and its worship, and favorable to 
their growing up Christian youths and men, qualified, wherever they 
are, to exercise the vocation of their early days. 

It would be difficult to state more succinctly and 
forcibly the case for the boy choir than the above excerpt, 
but the movement, even after it started, at first progressed 
very slowly. As a rule American musicians did not take 
kindly to the "innovation," and there were, of course, fail- 
ures arising mainly from prejudice, bad management, in- 
competent directors and unreasonable expectations un- 
realized. So it was years before the system could be said 
to have established a permanent position in the American 
Church. 

In the meantime other tune books made their ap- 
pearance. C. J. Hopkins published a collection of hymn 
tunes in 1860, and the Greatorex, Cantus Ecclesia and 
Church Choir books were also regarded as standards. 
William Staunton's "Common Praise" in 1866 filled a 
long felt want, and W. H. Walter, about the same time, 
also published an excellent collection. At this time the 
compositions of Dudley Buck, organist of Holy Trinity 
Church, Brooklyn, began coming into favor, especially 
for anthems and Te Deums. They were suitable for 
mixed choirs, and are still used extensively among the 
Protestant denominations, but have almost dropped out 
of place in the Church. Dr. Hodges, organist and choir- 
master at Trinity Church, New York; Prof. W. B. Gil- 
bert at Trinity Chapel, Hopkins and others were not 
only able exponents of sound Church music, but their 






i^wm 







\^^K 






m% 



CHOIR CAMP, IS 9 4. 




CHOIR BOYS AT INDIAN ROCK. 



THE VESTED CHOIR. 231 

compositions added materially to the enrichment of the 
service. Nevertheless, those in charge of the music in 
every parish were obliged to fall back on the unrivaled 
stores of the English school in order to secure adequate 
expression and variety of work. The Church of Eng- 
land, not having any specially authorized hymnal, this 
matter was left to the various dioceses, but the publica- 
tion known as "Hymns Ancient and Modern" came into 
almost universal use, with an enormous circulation, and 
passed through several editions and enlargements. It 
still retains its pre-eminence, although a new publication, 
"The English Church Hymnal," has become a favorite. 
The lack of sufficient variety in the American Prayer 
Book collection led to the quite general use of "Hymns 
Ancient and Modern" in the different parishes, first with- 
out authority, but later by authorization of the General 
Convention. The publication of "Additional Hymns" in 
1865-6 was only intended to be tentative, and a commit- 
tee was appointed to prepare an adequate hymnal for the 
American Church. In 1871 the new hymnal was pub- 
lished, containing 520 hymns, to which additions were 
made in 1874, bringing the number up to 532. The old 
collection of psalms in metre was still allowed to be used, 
but as the best ones were incorporated in the new hymnal, 
and Prayer Books were now printed with the metrical 
psalms omitted, they disappeared completely from the 
Church service. When the new hymnal was issued it was 
thought the matter was settled for at least half a century, 
but it was not fairly in use until agitation began for fur- 
ther revision and enlargement, which continued until a 
new book of 679 hymns was put out in 1892. This has 
not quite satisfied everybody, and another hymnal is al- 
ready in embryo. Meantime a so-called mission hymnal 
has been published which cannot be pronounced a valua- 
ble addition to the ritual. While the Church has been 



232 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

very conservative in making changes in or additions to the 
Prayer Book, the hymnal has been treated as a very flexi- 
ble part of the service, which will probably be the case as 
long as the spirit of poetry exists. 

The radical change of hymnody in 1871-4 naturally 
brought forth new series of tune books. Those of J. Ire- 
land Tucker and C. L. Hutchins took the lead, the latter 
becoming the more popular on account of the greater 
variety of tunes. Both publications drew liberally on the 
rich collection found in "Hymns Ancient and Modern," 
and in proportion as they did so the value of their work 
was enhanced. Mr. Messiter, organist of Trinity Church, 
New York, published a tune book in the seventies, which 
was an excellent production musically, but possessed the 
fatal defect of omitting the great mass of familiar tunes. 
A later excellent book by Prof. Stubbs, of St. Agnes 
chapel, has the drawback of containing only selected 
hymns instead of the entire hymnal. 

While several psalters were on the market, what is 
known as the Cathedral Psalter seems to have taken the 
lead as a favorite, and has so far held that position. 

As has been stated, the writer, in the firm belief that 
the male choir was the only proper organization to lead 
in the praises of the Church, began in a small way to 
gather a few boys together for singing purposes as far 
back as 1868-9. It was probably the first effort of the 
kind in Ohio, and there was no delusion as to expecting 
any marked results beyond giving the boys a definite place 
in the singing of the Sunday School, and perhaps at week 
day services. Although a semi-choral service had been 
given in 1868 at the Jefferson mission school, it was not 
until 1873 that a full choral service was attempted by the 
parish Sunday School at the Easter festival, the boys 
singing the Psalter antiphonally with the girls. When 
the early festal celebrations of the Holy Communion on 



THE VESTED CHOIR. 233 

Easter Day were inaugurated, the service was finally 
taken by the boys, who occasionally sang at Evensong 
and at the mission on the east side of the river, but as yet 
without any official standing. 

However, by 1892 the vested choir system had ob- 
tained a permanent foothold in Ohio, and the rector and 
Vestry decided that the time had come to establish it in 
St. Paul's. Prof. J. A. Raynes, a native of England, was 
engaged on January 1 as organist and choirmaster at a 
salary of $200 per year, afterwards increased to $400. 
Mr. Raynes for some months previous had directed the 
mixed choir, and several members continued to sing for 
awhile in order to help the boys out. The training al- 
ready given had furnished the nucleus of a permanent 
choir, and the director was able to announce that by Eas- 
ter the new organization would be able to take the entire 
service, including processional and recessional from and 
to the parish house. Vestments were procured from a 
disbanded choir at Salem, Ohio, and at the early celebra- 
tion on Easter Day the full vested choir marched into the 
church singing Hymn 374, "Crown Him with Many 
Crowns," which continued to be the regular Easter morn- 
ing processional until about three years since. The 
service was dignified, reverent and impressive, and 
the choir won its way at once to the hearts of the people. 
The singers were located on a platform adjoining the 
organ in the northeast corner of the church. Efficient 
work was rendered during the summer season, a feature 
being its first wedding service, the marriage of Mr. 
Raynes and Miss Martha Beazell on the evening of July 
7. Needless to say the choir was in demand for wed- 
dings thereafter as well as funerals, and during August 
a trip was made to St. James's Church, Cross Creek, 
where Evensong was given. The regular list of boys 
during the month of September included as permanent 



234 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

members, John Peterson, Herbert W. Nichols, Charles 
Peterson, James Nicholson, Presley Kells, Harry Schnor- 
nerberg, Harry Day, John Dillon, Edward Bickse, Robert 
Peterson, Harry Simieral, John Henke, Solon Hebron, 
Charles Blackburn, Wolcott Matlack, Charles Conley, 
George Wilcoxon, Harry Walker. Men : William Wil- 
liams, William Evans, Frank Schuman, H. W. Wether- 
ald, L. W. Zimmerman, Daniel Cable, Harry Cox, J. B. 
Doyle. 

The choir was a volunteer one, boys receiving a 
nominal pay of ten cents per week, with demerit marks for 
absence or misconduct. The payments were subsequently 
arranged to be made just before Easter, Independence 
Day and Christmas Day, the sentiment being incul- 
cated that the small amount received was not intended as 
compensation for work or labor performed, but as a re- 
ward of merit and expression of good will. The idea of 
commercialism was kept rigidly out of sight, and the 
boys were given to understand that they were singing, 
not for hire, but for Christ and His Church. It may be 
added that no small proportion of the Easter and Christ- 
mas payments found its way into the missionary boxes. 
During Mr. Raynes's administration he conducted several 
operettas and other musical entertainments, in which the 
choir boys took part. Special gold medals and crosses 
were given for good work, and subsequently small silver 
crosses were adopted as the choir badge, and worn con- 
tinually by the boys. 

The organ having become greatly out of repair, in 
May, 1893, the question arose as to the expediency of re- 
building the old instrument or procuring a new one. Mr. 
Grabau, the new rector, desired the removal of the choir 
to its proper place in the chancel, but a pipe organ 
could not be placed there without some changes in the 
church fabric, which did not seem feasible at that time. 



THE VESTED CHOIR. 235 

There was then on the market a comparatively new in- 
strument called "Vocation," in which the reeds were in- 
closed in boxes to give a pipe organ tone. This was in a 
measure successful, and the comparatively low first cost, 
economy of space and less requirement in the way of re- 
pairs, made the instrument popular, especially in small 
churches. A two-manual instrument of this character 
with about twelve sets of reeds and pedal sub-base was 
purchased fpr $690 net, and placed on the north side of 
the chancel, with temporary seats for the choir. While 
not equal to a good pipe organ, yet the instrument ful- 
filled expectations, and the change as a whole was a great 
improvement. 

One of the first services held after the installation of 
the vocalion was the wedding of Capt. A. A. Franzheim 
and Miss Kate Harden, which was attended by a number 
of Wheeling people. The visitors were so impressed by 
the singing that the following winter it was decided to 
establish a vested choir in St. Matthew's Church in that 
city, and arrangements were made with Mr. Raynes to 
visit Wheeling, and give the boys their preliminary train- 
ing. 

The first choral Evensong given by the regular 
choir was on All Saints Day, 1893, and after that it was 
regularly sung. At a meeting of the Convocation in Jan- 
uary the visiting clergy were marked in their commenda- 
tion of the music. 

Mr. Raynes having accepted the position of organist 
and choirmaster at St. Matthew's, retired from St. Paul's 
at the close of morning service, March 25, 1894, Easter 
Day, and was succeeded by Prof. Horton Corbett, of the 
Church of the Ascension, Buffalo, N. Y., at a salary of 
$500 per year. Mr. Corbett was an Englishman, thor- 
oughly versed in cathedral choir training, and member of 
the Royal College of Organists. Building from the ex- 



230 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

cellent foundations laid by Mr. Raynes, he brought the 
choir to a high state of perfection, and this, with his or- 
gan recitals, placed the music at St. Paul's in the lead so 
far as Steubenville was concerned. He also organized a 
choral society, which did some good work. Choral serv- 
ices were also held at the County Infirmary and Y. M. C. 
A. building. 

When the vested choir was organized no definite 
plan of recreation was provided, as is usual in such cases. 
The boys were allowed to play in the churchyard, and 
when the weather was bad to a limited extent in the parish 
house. In 1893 a day's excursion was taken to the woods 
near Adena, and in August, 1894, some funds having 
been collected, a ten days' camp on Brown's Island was 
held under the supervision of the rector. Service was 
held in the grove on Sunday, which attracted a congre- 
gation from the city and the surrounding country. 

In November Prof. Corbett, receiving a call to St. 
Peter's Church, Baltimore, at a salary of $1,200 per an- 
num, resigned, and was succeeded on December 9 by 
Charles N. Parker, of Toronto, Canada, at a salary of 
$400 per annum and a sleeping room in the parish house. 
Mr. Parker also took charge of the choral society, which 
he conducted during the winter. He was a superior 'cello 
player as well as an organist, and gave a number of high 
class concerts during his residence in Steubenville. An 
excellent musician, but possessing a somewhat nervous 
temperament, he resigned on May 15, and the manage- 
ment of the choir was turned over to J. B. Doyle, who 
remained in charge with some brief intervals for about 
sixteen years. John Potter was engaged as organist at 
$3 per week, attending the Friday evening rehearsals, 
Sundays and special services. In lieu of camping recrea- 
tions the choir boys were taken to the woods on July 4, 
and on an excursion to Pittsburgh in the fall, with extra 



THE VESTED CHOIR. 237 

trips when good work was performed, which practice was 
continued until 1911, when the Pittsburgh trips were 
dropped. 

Early in 1895 Charles Dougherty presented to the 
choir a brass processional cross, still in use, as a memorial 
to his mother, which has since been enriched by the addi- 
tion of a valuable amethyst, the gift of Mrs. F. S. Max- 
well. The crucifers have been George Wilcoxon, John 
Peterson, Charles Peterson, Maurice Peterson, Albert 
Schick, Reese Lewis, Percy S. Harris and Frank Roberts. 
The musical standard was sustained during the summer, 
and when Rev. G. W. Hinkle visited the parish on St. 
Michael and All Angels' Day, 1895, full choral Eucharist 
and Evensong were sung. 

On Sunday, February 2, 1896, William J. Fox, a 
former member of the choir, with Charles B. Thompson, 
George W. Snyder and Sherman Massingham, compos- 
ing the Schubert Club, of Pittsburgh, visited St. Paul's, 
and aided the local choir in giving delightful musical 
services both morning and evening. Mr. Fox also vis- 
ited here the following Easter, and sang Rodney's "Res- 
urrection" in the evening. In fact, it became the custom 
whenever the former choristers returned to the city to 
naturally take their old places in the choir. The last vis- 
itor of this kind was John Odbert, now a successful singer 
and choirmaster at Salamanca, N. Y. John Schnorren- 
berg, with violin, also assisted with the music on Easter 
Day, and he, with A. M. Burns, subsequently rendered 
excellent volunteer aid in this direction. 

The choir boys had their second camp on Brown's 
Island from July 10 to 24, 1896, having an enjoyable 
period, although hampered somewhat by rains and high 
river, necessitating skiff ferriage between the island and 
Ohio shore instead of the stepping stones two years be- 
fore. 



238 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

About May 1 of that year Prof. Sydney Trick ar- 
rived from England and was engaged as organist and 
director at $20 per month and room in parish house, to 
be $25 after September 1. He remained until the cen- 
tennial celebration of the parish, on Sunday, October 11. 
The musical service for the morning has already been 
given. In the evening there was full choral service with 
Stainer's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in E flat. 

On May 30 the choir furnished the music for the 
evening exercises of the G. A. R. in the Grand opera 
house. 

Mr. Trick left to become organist at Christ M. E. 
Church, Pittsburgh, and matters were restored to their 
former condition until the latter part of January, when 
a Mr. Lund, of England, was engaged temporarily for a 
few weeks. 

L. J. Emory, of New York, was engaged about De- 
cember 1, and served until April, 1898, when he resigned 
to accept a position in Eastern Pennsylvania, after which 
he moved to Duluth, Minn., where he engaged in busi- 
ness. He made warm friends in the choir and parish, 
and during the winter directed a rendition of Gaul's 
"Holy City" for the benefit of the King's Daughters' 
Circle. 

Early in June J. D. Martin, originally of England, 
but who had served in old St. Peter's, Philadelphia, and 
other prominent parishes, was engaged to succeed Mr. 
Emory. Mr. Martin was acquainted with most English 
contemporary composers, was very industrious in scale 
work, and his ideas and practice on tone quality were of 
the best. He did not succeed, however, in building up 
the choir to any extent, and when he resigned the last of 
November to accept a position with the Church of the 
Good Shepherd, Boston, but nine choristers were regis- 
tered, and the attendance at rehearsals dropped down to 



THE VESTED CHOIR. 239 

four. Mrs. A. M. Burns was engaged as organist, at $2 
per Sunday, and the writer having gone south during 
January, at the first rehearsal after his return on Febru- 
ary 8, but one boy was present. The choir had, however, 
touched low water mark, and conditions began to im- 
prove, though rather slowly. It was fully a year before 
the choir could be said to be anywhere near its normal 
condition, and even then there was considerable room for 
improvement. 

Mrs. Burns being compelled to resign the latter part 
of 1899 on account of ill health, Miss Julia Clark was ap- 
pointed to play the organ in her place for some months, 
when Mrs. Burns resumed. 

Faithful attendance and hard work on the part of 
the boys finally brought the choir up to something like 
its pristine efficiency, and when the rector was invited to 
deliver the baccalaureate sermon to the High School 
graduates on the evening of June 17, 1900, it was con- 
cluded to make an effort to hold a service worthy of the 
occasion. Arrangements were made for an orchestra of 
five pieces to support the vocalion, and the writer entered 
into correspondence with Prof. Paris R. Myers, then or- 
ganist and choirmaster of St. Matthew's, Wheeling, for 
the loan of three of his boys to reinforce the choir, espe- 
cially to provide the alto part, which is the bete noir of 
American choirmasters, and will continue to be until it 
is taken by an adequate supply of counter tenors. There 
being no service at St. Matthew's that evening, Mr. 
Myers generously offered to come to Steubenville, play 
the organ on that evening, and bring with him as many 
boys as desired. Twelve arrived, and with a choir of 
twenty- four boys and eight men there was a strong force, 
and the Steubenville boys were highly commended by Mr. 
Myers for their precision and purity of tone. The service 
was full choral, the hymns "Ancient of Days," "The 



240 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Spacious Firmament" and "God of All Being" making a 
mighty chorus. "Open the Gates of the Temple," sung 
by Master Alan Goodwin, of Wheeling, was the offertory 
anthem, and solos were also rendered by Messrs. Nichols 
and Quimfoy. A portion of St. Paul's choir attended the 
baccalaureate in St. Matthew's the next year, and an in- 
timacy followed between the two choirs which was very 
agreeable and profitable, at least to the Steubenville end. 
During the following summer and fall extensive al- 
terations were made in the chancel of St. Matthew's 
Church, including the installation of a large double pneu- 
matic organ. The old organ, which was placed in the 
church on its completion in 1868 at a cost of $4,800, was 
an excellent instrument from the celebrated Jardine fac- 
tory, but considerably out of repair. It was offered for 
sale at $500, and, believing this to be an exceptional bar- 
gain, a member of St. Paul's congregation proposed to 
the Vestry to purchase the organ and place it in the 
church, the Vestry and congregation to provide a suita- 
ble recess on the north side of the chancel, and proceeds 
fromi the sale of the vocalion to be applied to rebuilding 
the instrument. The proposition was accepted, and dur- 
ing the winter the north chancel wall was removed, con- 
verting the sacristy into an organ chamber, a change be- 
ing made in the roof to secure additional height. The 
vocalion was sold to St. Matthew's Church for $250, suf- 
ficient to pay the cost of placing the organ, and the ex- 
pense of reconstruction, securing water supply, etc., was 
about $350. As some $750 had been raised for this pur- 
pose, there was a surplus of over $400, which was given 
to the Women's Society and applied on the parish debt. 
John Malone, of Pittsburgh, who had purchased the old 
pipe organ several years previously for $50 and rebuilt 
it for a Methodist society, was the rebuilder of this organ. 
A portion of the instrument was ready by Good Friday, 



THE VESTED CHOIR. 241 

and the whole organ was brought into use for the first 
time on Easter Day, April 7, 1901. It was a most joyful 
festival. Four choral services were sung that day, in- 
cluding the Sunday School gathering in the afternoon, 
with large congregations at all. In the evening Mr. 
Myers presided at the organ, and gave a recital at the 
close of the service, delighting everybody with the new 
acquisition, of which a brief description may be given 
here. It is a two-manual instrument extending from 
C C C in the bass to G G G in the treble, with a pedal 
bass of two octaves. It contains about 1,200 pipes, 
reached by 21 speaking "stops," divided as follows : Swell 
organ — trumpet, cornet, flageolet, principal, gedacht, dia- 
pason bass, open diapason, keraulophon, bourdon. Great 
— piccolo, nazard (12th and 15th), principal, flute, melo- 
dia, stop diapason bass, vox celeste, clariana, open dia- 
pason 16 feet, double diapason. Pedal — Open diapason, 
stop diapason. In addition the mechanical accessories 
consist of pedal to swell, pedal to great, coupler, tremolo 
and foot swell, 26 in all. It is the largest organ in the 
city, and in quality of tone is excelled by none. In fact, 
it is superior to most of the modern organs in this respect, 
and should it be found desirable at any time to introduce 
further instrumental accessories, it is to be hoped that 
the integrity of this instrument may be preserved. In 
1905 a two-octave set of chimes was hung in the organ 
at a cost of about $200, but they have never been con- 
nected with the keyboard in a manner to render satisfac- 
tory service, which no doubt will be done sometime in the 
future. 

Sunday, June 9, 1901, was another notable day in 
the history of the choir as well as the parish. As related 
elseAvhere, Rev. William A. Grier was ordained to the 
priesthood in the morning, the Communion office being 
Morley and Tours, and the anthem, "Praise the Lord, O 



242 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Jerusalem," with Messrs. Nichols and Geisinger soloists. 
At Evensong the entire St. Matthew's choir was present 
with their organist, Mr. Myers, the combined choir mak- 
ing a chorus of sixty voices, and the procession stretching 
the entire length of the church from the chancel to the 
parish house. A temporary platform extended in front 
of the chancel arch to accommodate the singers, and the 
Steubenville Gazette the next day stated that "the music 
was probably the finest ever heard in a Steubenville 
church." The Steubenville choir chanted the Psalter, 
and the Wheeling choir sang Stainer's "I Am Alpha and 
Omega" for the anthem. The service was intoned by 
Mr. Grier, and after the service Mr. Myers gave a short 
organ recital. 

Prof. H. W. Matlack was secured as organist dur- 
ing the summer of 1902 and was a most valuable acces- 
sion not only in the way of accompanying the choir, but 
in his recitals before and after service. Miss Connelly, 
now Mrs. Roy Foster, gave a fine rendition of "The 
Prodigal Son." Mr. Matlack was succeeded on Septem- 
ber 1 by Miss Bessie Shane. 

An organ recital was given by Prof. Myers on the 
evening of October 31, assisted by Madame Cleary, a 
celebrated New York contralto. The singer was suffer- 
ing from a severe cold, which detracted from that part of 
the performance, but this was more than offset by the 
classical selections rendered by Mr. Myers. 

The dedication of the chancel enlargement and new 
organ at Wheeling was made the occasion of a series of 
festival services in which portions of the Steubenville 
choir assisted, including such productions as Jordan's Te 
Deum and Jubilate, Mann's Magnificat and Nunc Dimit- 
tis, Mendelssohn's "Be Not Afraid," and Handel's Halle- 
lujah Chorus, On St. Stephen's Day (December 26), 



THE VESTED CHOIR. 243 

the choir visited East Liverpool and participated in the 
opening services of new St. Stephen's Church. 

It was now the regular thing to sing six anthems 
each Sunday, including the canticles and offertory. The 
following programme for the month of June, 1902, omit- 
ting the hymns, will give an idea of the musical standard : 

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 
HOLY COMMUNION. 

Communion Office Maunder 

Offertory, "O Saving Victim" Tours 

Ablutions, Nunc Dimittis Barnby 

EVENSONG. 

Praeces and Responses Tallis 

Psalms 93, 97, 150 Cathedral Psalter 

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis Garrett 

Creed and Versicles Tallis 

Offertory, "The Radiant Morn" Woodward 

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 
MATINS. 

Venite Day 8 

Te Deum and Jubilate Tours 

Offertory, "Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem" Hall 

EVENSONG. 

Processional Hymn 491 

Praeces and Responses Tallis 

Psalter, Selection XVIII Cathedral Psalter 

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis Stainer 

Creed and Versicles Tallis 

Offertory, "O Taste and See" Goss 

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 
MATINS. 

Venite Day 15 

Te Deum and Jubilate Bridgewater 

Hymn before Sermon 385 

Offertory, "Cujus Animam" Rossini 

EVENSONG. 

Praeces and Responses Tallis 

Psalter, Selection XIX Cathedral Psalter 

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. King Hall 

Creed and Versicles Tallis 

Hymn before Sermon 401 

Offertory, "Be Not Afraid" Mendelssohn 



244 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 
MATINS. 

Processional Hymn 507 

Venite Day 22 

Te Deum Jackson 

Jubilate Garrett 

Offertory, "The Lord is Exalted" West 

EVENSONG. 

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis '. Bunnett 

Offertory, "Holy Art Thou" Handel 

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 
MATINS. 

Venite Day 29 

Te Deum and Jubilate Jordan 

Offertory, "And the Glory of the Lord" Handel 

EVENSONG. 

Praeces and Responses Tallis 

Psalter, Selection XX Cathedral Psalter 

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis Mann 

Creed and Versicles Tallis 

Offertory, "Unfold Ye Portals" Gounod 

Mr. Myers, happening in at Evensong on the even- 
ing of the 15th, presided at the organ, and congratulated 
the choir on its work, especially the rendition of the an- 
them, "Be Not Afraid." During this season Mr. Jen- 
kins, a New York tenor, also visited the choir and sang 
Rossini's "Cujus Animam" as well as the solo in the "In- 
flammatus." When the "York State Folks" Dramatic 
Company visited the city, which occurred in two or three 
successive seasons, St. Paul's choir boys were always in 
demand to sing "Calvary" in the church scene. 

Misses Grace Dawson and Grace Nelson were or- 
ganists during parts of the next two years. Mr. Foster, 
who became rector in 1904, was a superior musician, and 
took charge of the choir during the absence of the writer, 
in 1907, among other things presenting Stainer's "Cruci- 
fixion" during Lent. 

Mr. Myers resigned his Wheeling charge the latter 
part of 1904, and pending a permanent settlement agreed 





JOHN ODBERT. 



CHARLES SPECHT, JR. 





C. EARLE QUTMBY. PERCY S. HARRI! 

SOME lv\IU,Y CHOIR HOYS. 



THE VESTED CHOIR. 245 

to come to Steubenville at a salary of $40 per month and 
room in the parish house. It is needless to say that his 
work here was appreciated, the Christmas and Easter 
celebrations being especially marked. In addition to the 
ordinary Church work, his organ recitals on Sunday- 
afternoons were a popular feature. Quite a number of 
cantatas were given, including the "Holy City," "Gallia," 
"Ruth" and "Crucifixion." The offerings at these re- 
citals were generously devoted to procuring new vest- 
ments for the choir. On May 1 he resigned to go to 
Grace Church, Sterling, 111, which had a short time pre- 
vious called Rev. E. Weary, of East Liverpool, to the 
rectorship. He left carrying with him testimonials of 
esteem from members of the congregation and best 
wishes. Subsequently he removed to Evansville, Ind. 

As already noted, the midnight Eucharist on Chris- 
mas Eve was inaugurated in 1904, and the feast of the 
Nativity falling on Sunday, the following services in- 
cluded Sunday School with Advent mission offering at 

9 :30 a. m., Choral Communion and sermon at 10 :45, 
carol service at Gill hospital at 3 p. m., organ recital at 4, 
and Choral Evensong and sermon at 7 :30. Maunder 's 
office was sung at the midnight service, Stainer in F at 

10 :45, and Mann's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in the 
evening. The proper psalms were 89, 110 and 132, and 
the anthems Sullivan's "Hark, What Mean Those Holy 
Voices," and Andrews's "Let Us Now Go." To say that 
there was a lot of tired choristers that night is putting- it 
very mildly, but there was no grumbling, possibly because 
the boys were too sleepy to protest. The Procession of the 
Palms, now a regular feature, was introduced in 1905, 
and before Mr. Foster's departure the Litany was sung 
regularly on Rogation Sunday. 

After Mr. Myers's resignation the organ was sup- 
plied by Miss Robertson until November, the instrument 



246 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

was rebuilt, and she was succeeded by Mrs. J. H. An- 
drews, followed by E. M. Fisher, who played until Janu- 
ary 22, 1911, except an interval by Mrs. Andrews and a 
few weeks by Miss Gill. During this period J. Boynton 
Wilson performed good service as member of the choir 
and also presided at the organ at intervals. He is now 
one of the leading organists of Washington City, and has 
charge of the instrument at the Church of the Ascension. 
Mr. Fisher also rendered efficient help as counter-tenor. 

By invitation of Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Gaillaird, of 
New Cumberland, W. Va., the rector and choir on the 
evening of September 18, 1905, went to that town, where 
a confirmation service was held by Bishop Gravitt in the 
Methodist place of worship. The building was crowded, 
and Mr. Foster presided at the organ, Robert Sherratt 
acting as crucifier. This was the last time the choir sang 
at any service outside the city, or, in fact, at any place 
outside the church except at hospital and funeral services. 

The choir reached its highest enrollment in May, 
1896, with twenty-six boys registered. In June, 1909, 
there were twenty-two enrolled with several probationers, 
the number at rehearsal reaching twenty-eight. In 
autumn of this year the singing of introits according to 
the Prayer Book of 1549 was taken up, which was excep- 
tional in the American Church. 

On January 22, 1911, James W. Jelly was appointed 
choirmaster and organist at $500 per year, who in Au- 
gust, 1912, was succeeded by Charles A. Nicholson, of 
Fort Smith, Ark., formerly of Durham, England, at $50 
per month. Mr. Nicholson proved a very skillful organ- 
ist, and the recitals given by him on Sunday afternoons 
have been well attended. 

On July 11, 1911, a communication was received by 
the Vestry from James Means proposing to replace the 
temporary choir seats by black walnut stalls as a thank 



THE VESTED CHOIR. 24? 

offering upon his recovery from illness. The proposition 
was thankfully accepted, and the stalls placed at a cost of 
$400. The chancel was extended forward to provide 
additional room needed, new marble steps constructed, 
and the altar rail brought forward to its original position 
at cost of an additional $400. Since the origin of the 
choir three members have entered the priesthood, and one 
is preparing for Holy Orders. 

Many other details of choir work might be given, 
but that would extend this chapter to an inordinate length. 
The boys who were members of the organization in its 
beginning and faithful members during their adolescent 
period, are now as a rule not only worthy members of the 
Church they then served, but active members of society 
and doing their part as honored citizens. No doubt they, 
with the writer, look back to days of pleasant memories, 
and although the clouds were sometimes dark, yet the 
sunshine never failed to succeed them. 



CHAPTER XVII. 
ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. 



Organization of the New Parish— Chapel Leased — Mr. Cowling 
First Rector — Purchase of Rectory Property — Mr. Gaylord 
Called— St. James's Centennial— New Church Edifice— Mr. Red- 
head's Rectorship — Parish House Built — Vested Choir — Mr. 
Bissell Called. 



The proceedings relative to the withdrawal of about 
one-third the membership of St. Paul's Church, and pre- 
liminary steps towards the formation of a new parish, 
have already been related in Chapter XIV. Those pre- 
liminaries having been disposed of and episcopal consent 
having been given for such action, a meeting of the peti- 
tioners was held at the residence of George E. Sharpe, on 
North Seventh street, on September 24, 1896, and sub- 
sequently at the residence of Alexander Lee on North 
street on October 5, at which the new parish organized 
under the name of St. Stephen's by the election of Charles 
Gallagher and W. H. Garrett, Wardens, and A. A. 
Elliott, W. M. Beall, George A. Maxwell and John Cald- 
well, Vestrymen. Mr. Beal was made secretary, and Dr. 
Elliott treasurer. 

A committee was appointed to lease the Presbyterian 
mission chapel, corner of Franklin and Sixth streets, 
which was done at a cost of $20 per month, and the build- 
ing suitably equipped. Here services were held during 
the fall and winter by Profs. Davies, and Streibert, of 
Gammbier, and others. 

On March 11 a call was extended to Rev. E. W. 
Cowling, of Madison, Va., to become rector at a salary 
of $1,000 per annum. A Sunday School was organized 



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. 249 

on March 30, with an enrollment of thirty-three scholars 
and eight teachers. 

Mr. Cowling accepted the call, and took charge on 
May 1, 1897, occupying the property at 252 North 
Fourth street. The parish was admitted to union with 
convention on May 12. It then reported sixty-six com- 
municants and thirty-two Sunday School scholars, with 
eight teachers. An active girls' guild and missionary 
society were formed, and the rectors of St. Stephen's have 
since ministered at St. James's. A small reed organ was 
installed with Miss Mary Spencer as organist, and Miss 
Laura McLaughlin, leading soprano. Later Mrs. Cald- 
well was made choir leader, and an Estey chapel organ 
was purchased at a cost of $64. 

Bishop Leonard made his first visitation to St. 
Stephen's on December 9, confirming a class of six, and 
visiting St. James's parish the same day. 

On May 2, 1898, the Vestry purchased from R. J. 
Thompson part of lot No. 9 in Erwin's sub-division of 
-Dike & Wilson's Addition to Steubenville, on the north- 
east corner of Fifth and Logan streets, fronting 109 feet 
on Fifth street and 79^ on Logan, with a nine- foot right 
of way extending east from Fifth. The two-story brick 
dwelling thereon was used as a rectory until removed for 
the new church. The parish not having been incorpor- 
ated, the title was placed in the members of the Vestry 
as trustees. The cost of the property was $3,000, of 
which $1,400 was paid by cash subscriptions, the remain- 
ing indebtedness of $1,600 being extinguished in May, 
1899. 

S. Coe Boyd was engaged as organist on August 29, 
1898, and Miss Mary Reid as choir leader. 

Rt. Rev. A. R. Graves, Bishop of Western Nebraska, 
visited the parish on February 5, 1899, and confirmed 
seven. 



250 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

At the Easter election James M. Reynolds was 
chosen Vestryman in place of Mr. Caldwell, deceased. At 
this meeting it was resolved to take up the matter of 
erecting a church building on the lot lately purchased. 
Charles Gallagher and J. W. Jordan were convention del- 
egates. The parish report gave eighty-two communi- 
cants and fifty-two Sunday School scholars, with ten 
teachers. 

A mission was conducted from February 12 to 19, 
1900, by Rev. Mr. Matthews, a graduate of Oxford Uni- 
versity, and a thorough Bible scholar. The attendance 
taxed the capacity of the building. 

Rev. E. W. Cowling at a meeting of the Vestry held 
on February 26, 1900, tendered his resignation, to take 
effect the following Easter, his health rendering this step 
necessary. The resignation was accepted with unfeigned 
regret, as Mr. Cowling was not only an able preacher and 
good pastor, but an excellent type of a Virginia gentle- 
man. During his residence in Steubenville he made many 
friends outside as well as inside his parish, and was highly 
esteemed in the community. He accepted a call to Wick- 
liffe parish, Clarke County, Va., and from there to Berk- 
ley, a suburb of Norfolk. 

On Easter of that year Steubenville Commandery 
K. T. attended service at St. Stephen's and subsequently 
in 1912. 

Messrs. Gallagher and Jordan were the convention 
delegates in 1900, and on June 4 a call was extended to 
Rev. Hefbert L. Gaylord, a graduate of Bexley Hall, 
then a canon of Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, at $1,000 
per year, to take effect on September 1. This call was ac- 
cepted, and during the interim services were held by Dr. 
Davies, Dean Williams and others, there being a suspen- 
sion during July and August. At an episcopal visitation 
on October 24 six were confirmed. 





REV. E. W COWLING. 



REV. HERBERT L. GAYLORD. 





REV. E. B. REDHEAD. 



REV. ALFRED P. BISSELL. 



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. 251 

When Mr. Gaylord arrived he followed his prede- 
cessor in charge of St. James's Church, and as Saturday, 
December 1, was the centennial anniversary of the defi- 
nite arrangement with Dr. Doddridge for services at 
Mrs. McGuire's, it was decided to commemorate the same. 
Accordingly on that day Morning Prayer and Ante Com- 
munion service were said in the present building, a good 
congregation participating. Mr. Gaylord preached from 
Isaiah I., 1 : "Hearken to me ye that follow after right- 
eousness, ye that seek the Lord; look unto the rock 
whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye 
are digged." Among other things he said : 

In an age like this, of constantly multiplying activities and 
ceaseless change, it is a privilege that falls to the lot of but few- 
men or women to be permitted to worship and praise Almighty God 
under the auspices of the same religious organization as their ances- 
tors did a century ago. * * * The name, the memories, this 
building and those graves belong to you ; but the moral influence 
and religious impulse that breathe from these, like the sweet odors 
of the June rose, reach out beyond the contracted circle of their 
native garden spot, to purify and enrich the world. 

The parish of St. James, like Israel of old, may look back to 
two faithful and devoted souls, whom I think it no irreverence to 
say, were its Abraham and Sarah. And if I might venture to pur- 
sue the Scriptural figure farther, it was Sarah who conceived the 
idea of starting the Church, and Abraham became its leader. These 
two unique and worthy characters in the early religious history of 
Ohio were the Widow McGuire and the Rev. Dr. Doddridge. That 
great missionary, directed by no ecclesiastical authority, but moved 
by his own deep zeal for the cause of the Master and love for his 
fellowmen, had crossed the Ohio, as early as 1796, holding occa- 
sional services at distant points. There is reason to believe that the 
infancy of St. James's dates as far back at least as 1798. The ear- 
liest accurate records, however, begin with the notice of its organ- 
ization on December 1, 1800. That meeting and all subsequent meet- 
ings and services were held at the house of Widow McGuire until 
the year 1816. It is, I hold, a mark of the high spiritual character 
of that good woman that where she went the services of the Church 
went with her. About the year 1809 she removed from her old 
home on the farm where the Infirmary now stands to Wayne town- 
ship, near Bloomfield. But in the year 1816 as a compromise be- 
tween the parties situated on the Fernwood side of the creek, the 
site on which we now stand, was purchased from a Mr. Dunlevy, 
etc. 



25.5 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

After a short historical sketch the preacher added : 

The influence which this parish has wielded for good in the 
Diocese of Ohio, and among the early people of this community, 
can scarcely be overestimated. Her people have been faithful and 
devoted Christians and useful and worthy citizens. As I read the 
names of her many members, most of them synonyms for all that 
is good, and pure, and true, uprightness, integrity, honor; as I 
traced the brief items there recorded ; baptisms, confirmations, mar- 
riages and burials, something came to my eyes that dimmed my 
vision, and forbade me to scan them longer. Their earthly trials 
and hardships, their disappointments and their sorrows ; all these 
now lie in the bosom of the silent earth; but their smiles, their 
triumphs and their joys live on to cheer and inspire posterity, as 
the gentle zephyrs move to laughter the drooping leaves. 

It was always a struggling work, and yet it was most successful. 
Ministered to by faithful pastors, who labored for small stipends, 
dividing their time and efforts between distant congregations, mak- 
ing their rounds on foot, or, _ if they were fortunate enough to own 
a horse, in the saddle. Toiling early and late, they suffered a tax 
upon their energies that would put many of us modern pastors to 
shame. I have been told that when ready money was wanting for 
the furtherance of any unusual religious enterprise, such as the pay- 
ment of the pastor's salary, or the building of a church, if it could 
not be obtained in any other way, products of the farm and the mill 
were loaded upon fiatboats and floated down the rivers to New 
Orleans, and there sold for cash. Then the master of the cargo 
was compelled to return by water to Baltimore, Philadelphia or New 
York, and thence overland across the Alleghenies back again to 
Ohio. Do you suppose the present day Christian would undertake 
as great a task as that? Is there not a lesson of devotion and faith 
in that? Can we wonder that the religion of Jesus Christ, backed 
by such loyalty, was a power in this vicinity? 

An eloquent tribute was paid to the devoted minis- 
ters who had served the parish, and the following inci- 
dent was related of Mr. Gray, who, with his faithful wife, 
conducted the Sunday School about 1854: 

Whatever the test of his faith, he never faltered. Retiring one 
night hungry and with heavy heart for his suffering family, he did 
not doubt the merciful providence of his God; though there was 
nothing to eat in the house, he and his family devoutly, as usual, 
met in prayer. In the morning, a Mr. Hanlon, without suspicion, 
or suggestion from anyone, drove up to the door of the parsonage 
with aVagon load of wood and an abundance of food. 

The number of communicants that have from time to time 
been identified with the parish is much too large to enumerate 



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. 253 



even if it were well to do so. I might say, however, that there 
have been on the register as high as 106 in good standing. That 
was in 1842. Since that year the shifting of the population, fre- 
quent changes by removal and losses through deaths, have re- 
duced the number, so that we now liave a comparatively small 
parish; and yet who will dare to say that the efforts of the 
saints that have gone to their long home have been in vain? 
Who will dare, in the face of such a glorious history, to ques- 
tion God's presence in it? In closing, my friends, let me point 
you to these examples of faith, of courage and devotion; let me 
turn your thoughts to the welling self-sacrifice and gracious 
humility of these blessed saints of God for your consolation in 
the hours of doubt, and for your warning in times of pride. 
The list as it stood at the time of the first meeting in the year 
1800, one hundred years ago today: George Marian. William 
Whitcraft, Eli Kelly, George Halliwell, William McConnell, 
John McConnell, Benjamin Doyle, Joseph Williams, John Long, 
Mary McGuire, John M-cKnight, Frederick Allbright, William 
McConnell, John Scott, George Richey, Moses Hanlon. 



Messrs Gallagher and Jordan were the convention 
delegates from St. Stephen's in 1901, the report showing 
ninety-three communicants and sixty-five Sunday School 
scholars, with ten teachers. Mr. Jordan was added to 
the Vestry, bringing the number up to seven. Eight were 
confirmed on January 3, 1902. 

The death of Charles Gallagher on October 5, 1901, 
and that of Dr. A. A. Elliott, who had succeeded him as 
Senior Warden, on June 11 following, caused important 
changes in the Vestry. As finally reconstructed it in- 
cluded W. H. Garrett, Senior Warden ; George A. Max- 
well, Junior Warden; J. M. Reynolds, W. M. Beall, J. 
W. Jordan, A. B. Sharpe and J. B. Nicholson. S. C. Gill, 
G. E. Sharpe and J. W. Gill acted on finance and build- 
ing committees. 

The project of building a permanent church edifice 
on the corner of Fifth and Logan streets, which had been 
broached during Mr. Cowling's administration, and 
placed in abeyance at his resignation, was taken up in 
earnest soon after Mr. Gaylord's arrival. An appeal for 
subscriptions meeting with an encouraging response, 



254 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

plans were submitted by Mr. Hall, of Cleveland, for a 
Romanesque structure of pressed brick with chancel, 
spire and stone trimmings, to seat 250 people. It was 
estimated that the cost would be $8,368, exclusive of 
glass and furnishings. The plans were accepted with 
some modifications, and work was begun early in 1902. 
On Thursday, June 26, the cornerstone was laid by Rev. 
Messrs. Gaylord and Grange, the ceremonies including 
the 132d Psalm, Creed, Lord's Prayer, Collects, Lesson, 
Ezra III., 10-11, and Psalm 136. Mr. Gaylord read the 
list of articles to be inclosed, which contained the names 
of all the parishioners since the organization, Sunday 
School members, parish societies and contributors, Bible, 
Prayer Book, Hymnal, city papers June 11 and 25, pre- 
ceding parochial report, 1902 coins and list of rectors. 

Mr. Grange struck the stone three times, and de- 
clared it laid in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. He followed with an address 
congratulating the parish on what it had accomplished. 
The influence of any church depended on the character 
of those who composed it. The people will support a 
church when they see the grace of Christ at work within 
it, and he urged this idea upon his hearers. Reference 
was made to his pleasant relations with Steubenville peo- 
ple in years gone by, and he feelingly touched upon the 
loss which the parish had suffered in the recent deaths of 
Mr. Gallagher and Dr. Elliott. 

By a vigorous prosecution of the work the new 
structure was made ready for occupancy by Christmas 
Day, when it was opened with the usual services of that 
festival, the Holy Communion being, of course, the chief 
office. Congratulatory remarks were made by the rector, 
and the feast was especially one of joyful thanksgiving. 
The structure is about 67 feet outside length, of which the 
chancel with its rounded apse takes about 20, the width 



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. 255 

of the nave being some 30 feet. A graceful spire with 
belfry rises from the southwest corner, where is the main 
entrance, with sacristy and organ chamber on each side 
of the chancel. The furnishing is oak, and the nave is 
lighted by six wide lancet windows with large rose win- 
dow at west end. Six short lancets lighten the chancel. 
The cost of the building and furniture outside of memo- 
rials and special gifts from individuals amounted to $12,- 
497.83, on which there remained an indebtedness of about 
$3,000, which by 1911 was reduced to $1,000. 

The memorials include a beautiful window copied 
from Millet's "Sower," to Dr. Elliott fromi a member of 
the family, brass eagle lectern to the same from the Girls' 
Guild, altar cross and vases to Mr. Gallagher from his 
family, sterling silver Communion service from Mr. and 
Mrs. S. C. Gill ,wine cruet from Mrs. Albert Dean, mar- 
ble font and cover, ornamented with maltese crosses and 
the sentence, "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism," from 
Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Gill ; private Communion service, 
memorial to Mrs. Anna B. Scull; alms basins, Mrs. 
George W. McCook; altar vases to S. C. Gill from his 
widow. A beautiful electric lamp for the sanctuary has 
lately been added by Mrs. J. W. Gill. 

Much credit is due to both the women's and girls' 
guilds for their valuable work towards the new building 
and in maintaining the parish. 

On January 1, 1903, the rector's salary was ad- 
vanced to $1,300, and the first confirmation service held 
in the new church was on April 14, when a class of six- 
teen was confirmed, the largest so far in the history of the 
parish. The first person baptized in the new font was 
Mrs. Gill-Kirk, on April 1, 1903 ; the first marriage in the 
new church was that of M. A. Woodward and Olive B. 
Gamble, on October 9, 1903; the first funeral, that of 
Mrs. Mary W. Brown on May 6, 1903. 



256 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Joseph B. Nicholson, W. M. Beall and J. W. Jordan 
were the convention delegates, and the report gave 130 
communicants and sixty-five Sunday School scholars, 
with ten officers and teachers. The delegation voted neg- 
atively on the resolution in reference to the name of the 
Church. 

Messrs. Maxwell and Jordan were the convention 
delegates in 1904, and on August 1 Rev. H. L. Gay lord 
presented his resignation to take effect on September 1 
following, which was accepted. The parish had pros- 
pered under Mr. Gaylord's administration, and he left as 
a legacy a pretty church, well furnished and nearly all 
paid for. He accepted a call to Rochester, Pa., and sub- 
sequently to Canandaigua, N. Y., where he still resides. 

The vacancy was not filled until November 11, when 
a call was extended to Rev. E. B. Redhead, a graduate 
of Gambier, then rector of Grace Church, Ravenna. This 
call w r as accepted, and Mr. Redhead arrived in Steuben- 
ville about January 1. 

Messrs. Jordan and R. R. Cox were the convention 
delegates in 1905. The report gave 146 communicants 
and forty Sunday School scholars with seven teachers. 
Mr. Redhead reported four services held at St. James's 
during the preceding year, six communicants, five fami- 
lies and approximately fifteen baptized persons. Six 
were confirmed in St. Stephen's on November 26. On 
the opening of the new church B. Guider had been en- 
gaged as janitor at $5 per month, and on July 31, 1905, 
Mrs. Brown was engaged at an increase of $3 per month 
during the winter. 

The organists previously noted were succeeded by 
Earle H. Fisher, Miss Grace Dawson, who resigned on 
May 9, 1904, Mrs. Grace Williams, Miss Madge Wint- 
ringer and Mrs. E. B. Redhead, who became musical di- 
rector soon after Mr. Redhead's arrival. The project of 




ST. STEPHEN'S TEMPORARY CHAPEL. 




ST. STEPHEN'S CIILTROU AND PARISH HOUSE. 



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. 257 

procuring a suitable pipe organ was broached soon after 
the completion of the new church, and on September 27, 
1903, plans for such an instrument were submitted to the 
Vestry. Other matters, however, pushed this aside, but 
now the matter was taken up in earnest. The result was 
the installation on the evening of April 5, 1906, of an ex- 
cellent instrument costing $1,357.35. Dedicatory exer- 
cises were conducted by Bishop Leonard, who confirmed 
a class of five on that occasion. 

This instrument, from the factory of A. B. Felge- 
maker, Erie, Pa., has two manuals of five octaves each, 
with base pedals of two and one-half octaves. The reg- 
isters are eight in number, divided as follows : Swell — 
violin diapason, 8 feet; stop diapason, 8 feet; aeolina, 8 
feet; flute harmonique, 4 feet; great — melodia, dulciane, 
open diapason; pedal, bourdon, 16 feet. Mechanical 
stops — tremolo, octave coupler, great to pedal, swell to 
pedal, swell to great, foot swell. 

Cement sidewalks were laid around the church this 
year, and W. M. Beall was the convention delegate. The 
report gave 120 communicants and thirty-nine Sunday 
School scholars, with eight teachers. For Cross Creek 
Mr. Redhead reported ten communicants and fifteen serv- 
ices during the year. W. Henderson was Senior War- 
den; A. Maley, Junior Warden; John Rinker, Clerk; J. 
Cunningham, Treasurer. 

On April 11, 1907, W. M. Beall was elected Junior 
Warden to fill the vacancy caused by the death of George 
A. Maxwell, and Robert Cox was added to the Vestry. 
Later A. B. Sharpe was chosen Treasurer, and Mr. Rey- 
nolds, Clerk. Convention delegates were Messrs. Beall, 
Cox and Jordan. Communicants reported, 134; Sunday 
School scholars, 45, with nine teachers. Cross Creek, 
Hayes White, Senior Warden. Thirteen services were 
held during the year. On May 19, thirteen were con- 



258 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

firmed at St. Stephen's. In the fall the church basement 
was fitted up for the parish societies. 

During the Lenten season of 1908 sermons were de- 
livered by a number of visiting clergy, and on March 30 
Mr. Hopkins was appointed janitor. On April 24, ten 
were confirmed. Messrs. Jordan and Cox were conven- 
tion delegates. Communicants reported, 164; 31 non- 
resident, communicating, 106; Sunday School scholars, 
56, with nine teachers. Services at Cross Creek, 18. 

Mr. Beall was elected Senior Warden on June 1, 
1909, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Gar- 
rett; Mr. Jordan was made Junior Warden, and Frank 
Ault added to the Vestry. Ten were confirmed at the 
Bishop's visitation on October 24. 

Mr. Cox was the convention delegate in 1910; com- 
municants reported, 178 ; dormant 33, non-resident 30 ; 
Sunday School scholars, 58, with nine teachers. Sunday 
services at Cross Creek, 16; celebrations of Holy Com- 
munion, 3. 

Bishop E. K. Brooke, of Oklahoma, visited the par- 
ish on March 21, 1911, and confirmed twelve. Messrs. 
Nicholson, Bell and Jordan were the convention dele- 
gates; resident communicants, 162; non-resident, 30; 
Sunday School scholars, 53, with eight teachers. Sun- 
day services at Cross Creek, 13 ; Holy Communion, 2. 

Not long after the completion of the new church it 
became evident that greater facilities were needed for 
carrying on the work of the parish. The basement could 
be used to a certain extent, but its resources in that re- 
spect were limited. Consequently along with the diminu- 
tion of the debt a building fund was started for the erec- 
tion of a parish house and rectory. By the spring of 
1911 matters had progressed sufficiently to warrant the 
preparation of plans for such a building. The rectory 
idea, however, was dropped, and plans presented by Rob- 



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. 259 

ert J. Peterson were accepted providing for a structure 
72x32 feet, containing an assembly room 33j4x30 feet 
with stage at east end and small room on each side for 
kitchen, etc. Guild and class rooms were provided at the 
west end, looking on Fifth street The building was to 
be of pressed brick and correspond in architecture to the 
church, with which it is connected by a corridor 14 feet 
in length by 8 feet wide. On July 30 the Vestry author- 
ized a contract with the Steubenville Building and Lum- 
ber Company for the erection of the parish house for 
$6,9558, the entire cost of construction and furnishing 
being $7,500. The new building was formally opened 
on the evening of April 24 by Bishop Leonard after serv- 
ice in the church, at which nine were confirmed. The 
dedicatory exercises were simple, and were followed by 
a general reception. At this time new doors were placed 
at the tower entrance of the church, and the interior re- 
decorated.. 

On Easter Day of that year the members of the choir 
were vested in cassocks and cottas, and thereafter had the 
regular processional and recessional hymn from and to 
the parish house. 

The parish meeting this year on May 6 was espe- 
cially interesting, including reports from H. B. Grier, 
Superintendent of the Sunday School ; Mr. Beall, Treas- 
urer of the Building Fund ; Mrs. Jordan, President of the 
Women's Auxiliary ; Mrs. Beall, Treasurer of the Ladies' 
Guild; Mrs. Emma J. Ault, President of the Chancel 
Guild, and Mrs. A. B. Sharpe, of the Girls' Guild. 
Messrs. Beall and Nicholson were convention delegates ; 
resident communicants, 171 ; non-resident, 34 ; Sunday 
School scholars, 50, with nine teachers; indebtedness, 
$2,000. 

On May 20 Mr, Reynolds was chosen Junior War- 



260 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

den in place of Mr. Jordan, deceased, and Alfred Day 
was elected to the Vestry. 

Mr. Cox was the convention delegate in 1913. Com- 
municants reported, 206, including 45 non-resident and 
32 dormant; Sunday School scholars, 40, with six teach- 
ers; indebtedness, $1,500. St. James's, 14 communicants, 
14 Sunday services, including four celebrations of Holy 
Communion. 

Having received a call to St. Andrew's Church, 
Elyria, Mr. Redhead, on June 7, presented his resignation 
to the Vestry to take effect on September 1 following, 
which was accepted with unfeigned regret. A sound and 
conservative Churchman, a faithful priest and a scholarly 
gentleman, he had won the affections of his people and 
the respect of all who knew him. A reception tendered 
him and his estimable wife previous to their departure 
was attended not only by his own parishioners, but by 
many others. 

Rev. Messrs. Davies and Streibert, of Gambier, con- 
ducted Sunday services during autumn, and on Novem- 
ber 10 the Vestry extended a call to Rev. Allen Percy 
Bissell, of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Columbus, 
at a salary of $1,500 and rectory. Mr. Bissell accepted 
the call to take effect on January 15, 1914, occupying 
the rented rectory at 622 North Seventh street. Mr. Bis- 
sell was born at Afton, N. Y., SqDtember 15, 1882, and 
came to Columbus with his parents five years later. After 
completing the courses in the Columbus schools he at- 
tended Williams College, Massachusetts, where he was 
graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1904. While 
serving as stock broker's clerk in New York City, he re- 
signed his position and entered Bexley Hall, Gambier, to 
study for Holy Orders. Graduating three years later 
with the degree of B. D., he was ordained deacon by 
Bishop Vincent, May 24, 1908, and served as missionary 





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ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. 261 

at Dresden, Madison and New Lexington. He was or- 
dained priest at the Cincinnati Cathedral on June 6, 1909, 
and was rector of the Church of the Epiphany, Urbana, 
for about a y earing, coming to the Church of the Good 
Shepherd on March 12, 1911. Here on September 25, 
1912, he was married to Miss Virginia B. Wiltberger. 

Bishop Leonard visited St. Stephen's on December 
7, 1913, and confirmed four. 

Mr. Bissell was welcomed most cordially by his new 
parishioners, a large reception being given him at the 
parish house. He at once inaugurated various plans of 
church work, among other things, having a series of social 
betterment lecture on Sunday evenings during Lent, sim- 
ilar to those already reported at St. Paul's. Mrs. Schnell- 
baugh succeeded Mrs. Redhead at the organ, and the 
choir has been enlarged and strengthened. At the May 
election the Vestry was enlarged to thirteen members, 
composed of William M. Beall, Senior Warden; James 
M. Reynolds, Junior Warden ; Frank Ault, Clerk ; A. B. 
Sharpe, Treasurer; Robert R. Cox, Alfred Day, Joseph 
B. Nicholson, J. H. Williams, C. P. McFadden, L, R. 
Killmyer, F. V. Groesbeck, Harry Irons, J. E. Collins. 
The convention delegates were Alfred Day, Paul McFad- 
den, W. M. Beall, and the report showed: 

Families, 120; baptized persons, 299; communicants 
last reported, 206 ; added by confirmation, 4; by letter, 7; 
otherwise, 10; total gain, 17; present number, 239; resi- 
dent communicants, 193; actually communicating, 176; 
dormant, 17; non-resident, 34; address known, 28; un- 
known, 6. Baptims, infants, 8. Marriages, 1. Burials, 3. 

Services, Sundays, 62 ; Holy days, 9 ; other days, 18 ; 
total, 89. Holy Communion in public, 14 ; in private, 2 ; 
total, 16. 

Sunday School pupils, 59 ; officers and teachers, 8 ; 
total, 67. 



262 THE CHURCH IN EASTERN OHIO. 

Receipts, open offerings, $350 ; Easter offerings, 
$300; pledges for current support, $2,040; special dona- 
tions, $114; income from endowment, $15; parish socie- 
ties, $40; Sunday School, $16; total receipts, $2,875. 

Disbursements, salaries and expenses, $2,096; local 
charities, $28; payment of debts, $200; interest, $88; 
total parochial, $2,412. 

Disbursements, Diocesan Convention Fund, $36.94; 
Diocesan Mission Fund, $70 ; Church Home, $23 ; Arch- 
deacon's salary, $10; total Diocesan, $139.94. Disburse- 
ments, general missions, $46 ; domestic, $6 ; total, $52. 

Grand total disbursements, $2,603.94. 

Property — Church and parish building, sittings free, 
225; indebtedness secured by mortgage, $1,350; value 
of property, $40,000; endowment, $100; insurance, 
$8,500. 

A kindergarten department has recently been added 
to the Sunday School in charge of Miss Ella Holliday. 

Since the organization of the parish, pabtisms in the 
same have numbered 120; confirmations, 92; marriages, 
41 ; burials, 90. 

Mr. Bissell, as had his predecessors, took up the 
work at St. James's with the hope that by regularity of 
services this ancient parish might at least be kept alive. 
Hayes White is clerk of the parish, and Conrad Rinker, 
treasurer. 

The expectations excited upon the arrival of Mr. 
Bissell have been fully realized. An able preacher and 
earnest worker, he has aroused new enthusiasm in the 
hearts and minds of his parishioners. All available space 
in the church edifice is occupied, and projects of enlarge- 
ment are now under consideration. It has been suggested 
that transepts be thrown out on the north and south sides 
of the building and the main part extended eastward. 
This would not only give a material increase in the seat- 



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. 263 

ing capacity, but allow the choir to be placed in the chan- 
cel. The parish is now stronger than at any previous 
period, and enjoys the unique position of being the only 
religious organization located north of Logan street. 
With such a field the prospect, under proper and energetic 
management holds out bright hopes for the future, and 
there seems no reason why St. Stephen's should not exer- 
cise a large share in bringing the Church in Steubenville 
to its proper place "as a strong working force for good in 
whatever direction its influence may be exerted. 



INDEX 



Abbott, Rev. A. A., 209, 213. 
Academy, Old, 60, 88. 
Addison, Rev. Thomas G, 112. 
Andrews, E. F., 87, 155. 
Andrews, Dr. John, 91, 127. 
Armstrong, Rev. John, 75. 
Asbury, Francis, 8. 
Ascension Hall, 68. 
Ascension Parish, Wellsville, 131. 
Ascension Church, Pittsburgh, 169. 
Ashman, Dr. G. A., 213. 

baptistery, St. Paul's, 157. 

Beaver River, 3. 

Bedell, Rt. Rev. G. T., 108, 109, 112, 
114, 116, 127, 129, 132, 134, 136, 
138, 145, 164, 166, 169, 229. 

Bedford-Jones, Rev. J. W., 206. 

Benedict, Rev. C. K, 172, 177, 178. 

Bevans, Rev. A. H., 213. 

Bexlev Hall, 68, 95. 

Bienville, 2. 

Bissell, Rev. A. P., 260. 

Bodine, Rev. William, 165. 

Bolles, Rev. T. A., 147. 

Brewster, Rev. S. T., 139, 152. 

Brittingham, Rev. J. N., 205. 

Brockway, Rev. A. J., 141, 147. 

Brooke, Bishop, 258. 

Brosi, Miss, 130, 140. 

Brown, Bishop, 184. 

Brown, Danforth, 17. 

Brown, Rev. J. W., 145. 

Buchanan, Rev. A., 147. 

Cadiz, 45. 323. 

Chase, Abigail, 34. 

Chase, Allace, 33. 

Chase, Aquila, 33. 

Chase, Dudley, 33, 71. 

Chase, Ithamas, 34. 

Chase, Miss Mary, 57. 102, 108, 112, 
114, 196. Miss Chase died at 
Gambier on Sunday evening, Sep- 
tember 13, 1914, aged 91 years 
and 18 days. 

Chase, Bishop Philander, 34, 40, 48, 
58, 62, 65, 68, 75, 80. 



Chase, Philander Jr., 56, 59, 63, 65. 

Chase, Salmon P., 34. 

Chaseland, 67. 

Charlestown (Wellsburg), 140. 

Chittenden, Rev. B., 35. 

Christ Church, Hartford, 37. 

Christ Church, Wellsburg, 17, 126. 

Christian, Rev. E., 107, 110. 

Cincinnati, 100. 

Clark, George Rogers, 2. 

Clay, Henry, 66. 

Coggswell, Rev. C. P., 181, 192, 196. 

Coke, Thomas, 8. 

Coleman, Rev. T. K, 128, 132. 

Collier, D. L., 73. 

Conneaut Creek, 38. 

Convocation, 152, 185, 213. 

Cooke, Rev. H. E., 209, 213. 

Corbett, Horton, 235. 

Cowling, Rev. E. W., 200, 248, 250. 

Cowpland, Rev. J. W., 17, 132, 139. 

Cresap, Col., 3. 

Croes, Bishop, 41. 

Croghan, George, 1, 5. 

Cumming, Fortesque, 21. 

Cunningham, John, 28, 47. 



Danner, Rev. T. J., 208. 

Darlington, William, 5. 

Davies, Rev. D. F., 185, 206, 248, 

250, 260. 
Day, William, 132. 
De Koven, Rev. James, 149. 
Dickinson, J. M., 45. 
Dickinson, William R., 45. 
Doddridge Chapel, 7. 
Doddridge, John, 6, 9. 
Doddridge, Joseph, 6, 9, 20, 22, 30, 

40, 47, 59. 
Doddridge, Philip, 9. 
Doddridge, Narcissa, 10. 
Donahoo, Rev. J. D., 190. 
Doyle, Benjamin and Patience, 22, 

49. 
Duane, James, 52. 
DuMoulin, Rt. Rev. Frank, 199, 216. 
Dwight, Miss, 137. 



266 



INDEX. 



Elliott, Andrew, 48. 
Ellison, Rev. Thomas, 36. 
Ernst, Rev. R. P., 216. 

Fearnes, Rev. Charles, 107. 

Finley, James, 44. 

Foster, Rev. G. I., 216. 

Foster, Rev. J. W., 206, 208, 244, 

246. 
Fort Steuben, 19. 
Fraser, Rev. A. L., 205, 213. 
French, Rev. W. B. and W. C, 147. 

Gambier, 68, 108, 138. 

Gaylord, Rev. H. L., 205, 250, 251, 

254, 256. 
Gibson, William H., 22. 
Gilbert, Rev. M., 115, 125. 
Gilead, 70. 

Gillette, Rev. Charles, 123, 126. 
Gist, Christopher, 3, 5. 
Goodwin, Rev. J. B., 100. 
Grabau, Rev. LeF., 181, 189, 196, 234. 
Grange, Rev. R. W., 139, 163, 165, 

170, 175, 254. 
Graves, Bishop, 249. 
Gray, Rev. Richard, 90, 252. 
Green, Rev. H. M., 185. 
Grier, Rev. William A., 202, 241. 
Griswold, G. H, 28. 

Hale, Miss, 179. 

Hall, Rev., 64. 

Hammond, Charles H., 40, 59, 66. 

Hassler, E. W., 2. 

Hawkins, R. C, 108. 

Hillyar, Rev. James, 139, 147. 

Hinkle, Rev. G. W., 147, 190, 192, 

198, 200, 205, 237. 
Hobart, Bishop, 29, 41, 52, 65. 
Hodges, Rev. G. W„ 165. 
Hogg, William, 67. 
Hollis, Rev. H., 100, 106. 
Hopkins, Rev. J. H., 82. 
Hull, Rev. Andrew, 129, 132. 

Illinois, Diocese of, 70. 
Ingraham, Miss, 41. 

Jackson, R. M., 130. 
Jefferson County, 3. 
Jenkins, Rev. Thomas, 213, 215. 



Jones, Rev. A. C, 199. 
Jubilee College, 71. 

Kell, Rev. Robert, 209, 211, 212,217. 
Kemp, Bishop, 41. 
Kemp, Rev. E. L., 185. 
Kilbourn, James, 27. 
Kenyon College, 68. 
Knights of St. Paul, 211, 212, 213, 
215, 216. 

Laird, Rev. 94. 

Lamb, Rev. George, 209. 

Laverty, Rev. Mr., 131. 

Lee, Rev. J. H., 111. 

Leonard, Rt. Rev. William A., 169, 

173, 184, 187, 188, 192, 199, 202, 

207, 215, 249, 259, 261. 
Lewis, Edward, 49. 
Lewis, Rev. Henry A., Ill, 115,125. 
Lloyd, Rev. Mr., 207. 
Logstown, 3. 

Macdonald, William H., 140. 

Macdonough, Commodore, 56. 

Mackay, Rev. Philip, 162. 

Marion, Miss Sarah, 165. 

Maxon, Jesse, 59. 

May, Rev. George, 140. 

Marshall, Rev. Mr., 200. 

Matlack, Prof. H. W., 205, 242. 

Matthews, Rev. Mr., 250. 

McGuire, Mrs. Mary, 22, 47. 

McKim, Rev. Philip, 162. 

Mcllvaine, Rt. Rev. Charles P., 82, 
84, 94, 99, 109, 112, 117, 125, 128, 
136. 

Meade, Bishop, 27. 

Means, James, 155, 164. 

Means, James Sr., 91, 156. 

Means, Joseph, 125. 

Means, Rev. Stewart, 147. 

Mears, Robert, 125, 130. 

Mockridge, Rev. John, 202. 

Monroe County, 56. 

Moodey, David, 20. 

Morgan, Rev. W. P., 165. 

Morse, Intrepid, birth, 34; early 
history, 50; ordained deacon, 52: 
arrives in Ohio, and ordained 
priest, 54; goes to Steubenville, 
54; missionary journey, 58; gives 



INDEX. 



267 



St. Paul's three-fourths time and 
takes St. James's, 59; college site, 
66; preaches at Kenyon corner- 
stone, 68; organizes St. John's, 
East Springfield, 77 ; marriage, 
78; first temperance society, 80; 
temporary charge at St. James's, 
100; missionary work, 110; Civil 
War, 112; differences with Ves- 
try, 117; excluded from church 
edifice, 119; restored, 120; re- 
signs and dies, 121. 

Morse, John, 34. 

Murphy, Rev. A. T. M., 112. 

Myers, Paris R., 239, 242, 245. 

Nichols, Rev. W. F., 169. 
North, Gen., 53. 

Oxford Movement, 71, 94, 97, 136. 

Page, Thomas Nelson, 115. 

Parker, C. N., 236. 

Patterson, Rev. Robert, 9. 

Penick, Bishop, 165. 

Peoria, 71. 

Perry, Bishop, 44. 

Peterkin, Bishop, 164. 

Pitts, Rev. Thomas D., 133, 137, 

147, 149, 160. 
Prairie Ronde, 70. 
Princess Bonnie entertainment, 199. 
Putnam, Miss, 137. 

Rambo, Rev. J., 139. 

Raynes, J. A., 233. 

Redhead, Rev. E. B., 181, 212, 213, 

256, 260. 
Reed, Mrs. Betsy, 66. 
Robin's Nest, 71. 
Rogers, Rev. W. K., 110. 
Ross Chapel, 68. 
Rulison, Rev. N. S., 145. 

Schofield, J. W., 135, 137. 

Scott, Thomas, 8, 14. 

Scull, S. F, 108, 125, 129, 149. 

Seabury, Bishop, 29. 

Searle, Rev. Roger, 30, 39, 65. 

Seaton, William, 49. 

Sherman, Rev. F. C, 216. 



Sidener, Rev. William M., 210, 213, 
217, 222. 

Spear, Robert, 138. 

Stafford, Rev. Thomas, 179. 

Smythe, Rev. G. F„ 185. 

Streibert, Rev. Jacob, 248, 261. 

Stryker, Rev. L. W. S., 212, 213. 

Sturgis, Rev. Mr., 212. 

Swope, Rev. B. B., 147. 

Steubenville, first services, 20, 70, 75. 

St. Alban's Church, Deersville, 95. 

St. Andrew's Brotherhood, 192. 

St. James's Church, Cross Creek, 
17 29, 44, 47, 55, 59, 75, 77, 84, 
89, 95, 106, 109, 114, 125, 128, 132, 
139, 165, 166, 169, 172, 173, 175, 
177, 224, 233, 251, 262. 

St. James's, Zanesville, 28, 54, 67. 

St. James's, Chicago, 71. 

St. John's, Brooke County, 16, 111, 
165. 

St. John's, East Springfield, 77, 84, 
100, 109. 

St. Joseph Country, 70. 

St. Jude's, Toronto, 184, 208, 217. 

St. Matthew's, Wheeling, 235, 239, 
240, 242. 

St. Michael's, Charleston, 57. 

St. Paul's Brooke County, 16. 

St. Paul's, Steubenville, organiza- 
tion, 43; Mr. Morse called, 50; 
second confirmation, 58; secures 
Mr. Morse three-fourths time, 
59 ; moves to Academy, 61 ; nro- 
test, 66 ; incorporated, 73 ; pew 
list, 1826, 76; Sunday School 
started, 79; church lot purchased, 
82 ; pew list and consecration, 83 ; 
basement schools, 88; sexton's 
house erected, 89; educational 
activity, 91 ; bell purchased, 93 ; 
diocesan convention, 93 ; exten- 
sion built, 100; organ purchased, 
101 ; graveyards purchased, 104 ; 
basement fire, 106; chancel 
changes, 109; W. K. Rogers, as- 
sistant, 110; mission Sunday 
Schools, 111; first ordination 
service, 112; Christmas treats, 
113; difference with rector, 
116; church closed, 119; re- 
opened, 120; Rev. Chas. Gillette 



368 



INDEX. 



called, 123; alterations, 125; new 
church proposed, and Mr. Gil- 
lette resigns, 126; Rev. Andrew 
Hull called, 129; Mason property 
purchased, 130; Dr. Hull resigns, 
132; Rev. Thos. D. Pitts called, 
133; vestments, 134; rectory pur- 
chased, 134; building projects, 
135; choral Evensong, 137; dio- 
cesan division, 138; free pews, 
139 ; independence centennial, 
139; rector's resignation tender- 
ed, 140; reincorporated, 141; 
building plans approved, 142; 
women's and Sunday School 
work, 143 ; last marriage, burial 
and funeral in old church, 143 ; 
farewell Eucharist and Even- 
song, 144; cornerstone of new 
church, 145; consecration, 146; 
memorials, 156; resignation of 
Dr. Pitts, 160; acquires Giles lot, 
162; new communion service, 
163; Averick bequest to S. S., 
164; early Easter services, 164; 
Diocesan convention, 164; finan- 
cial troubles, 166; reading and 
club rooms, 168; Fairy Glen S. 
S., 168; Dr. Grange resigns, 170; 
Rev. C. D. Williams called, 171; 
services at Toronto, 172; parish 
house built, 173-4; return to free 
pew system, 177; struck by light- 
ning, 178; vested choir inaugu- 
rated, Mr. Williams resigned, 
179; rectory sold, 180; Rev. LeF. 
Grabau called, 181 ; choir 
changes, 183; Toronto and Min- 
go missions, 184; Rev. Mr. Cogs- 
well advanced to priesthood, 184 ; 
convocation, 18 5; differences, 
186; meeting with Bishop, 187; 
chapel blessed, 188; Mr. Grabau 
resigned, 189; Mr. Hinkle called, 
191 ; centennial services, 192 ; pe- 
tition for new parish, 197; con- 
sents, 199; third ordination, 199; 
reunion project, 200; high school 
baccalaureate, 2 01; fraternal 
services, 201; [Stanton Post G. 
A. R. attended service during Mr. 
Grange's rectorship] ; fourth 



ordination, 202; correction of 
Church's name, 202; Mrs. Hin- 
kle's funeral and Mr. Hinkle's 
resignation, 205 ; Rev. J. W. 
Foster called, 206; midnight Eu- 
charist, 206; Lloyd mission, 207; 
Mr. Foster's resignation, 208; 
Rev. W. M. Sidener called, 210; 
debt extinguished, 212; new side- 
walk and fence, 213; new heat- 
ing plant, 214; feast of lights, 
215; General Convention, 216; 
parish house enlargement, 218; 
annual picnic, 219; statistical 
summary, 224. 

St. Peter's, Ashtabula, 38. 

St. Peter's, Morristown, 55. 

St. Stephen's, East Liverpool, 93, 
100, 110, 162. 

St. Stephen's, Steubenville, organ- 
ization, 248; Rev. E. W. Cow- 
ling called, 249; lot purchased, 
249; mission, 250; Mr. Cowling 
resigned and Rev. H. L. Gaylord 
elected, 250; St. James's centen- 
nial, 251; new church, 254; Mr. 
Gaylord resigned and Rev. E. B. 
Redhead called, 256; new organ 
and cement sidewalks, 257; par- 
ish house and vested choir, 259 
[Women's club met here two sea- 
sons] ; Mr. Redhead resigned 
and Rev. Allen P. Bissell elected, 
260; increased attendance, 262. 

St. Thomas's, St. Clairsville, 55, 60, 
85, 109. 

Tappe, J. A. G., 212. 
Taylor, Rev. J. C, 184. 
Thomas, John, 131. 
Thomas, Rt. Rev. N. S., 200. 
Thomson, Rev. A. C, 179. 
Thompson, Rev. William A., 213, 

216. 
Tiltonville Mission, 208, 214. 
Trinity Church, N. Y., 59. 
Trinity, Bellaire, 110, 134. 
Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, 137, 

179. 

Valley of Peace, 69. 

Van Buren, Rt. Rev. J. H., 217. 



INDEX. 



269 



Vested Choir, inaugurated at St. 
Paul's, 178; Anglo-American 
Church music, 226; new hymnals, 
228; beginnings at St. Paul's, 232; 
visits St. James's, 233 ; vocalion 
purchased, 234; first choral Even- 
song, 235 ; camping, 236 ; Schu- 
bert Club, 237; baccalaureate 
service, 239; pipe organ purchas- 
ed, 240; visit of St. Matthew's 
choir, 242 ; exceptional Christmas 
services, 245 ; visit to New Cum- 
berland, 246 ; new choir stalls, 247. 

Vincent, Bishop, 171. 

Washburne, Rev. Dr., 201. 
Washington, George, 3, 5. 
Waterman, Rev. John, 10. 
Waterman, Rev. T. A., 179. 
Watson, Rev. O. E., 199, 202. 
Webb, Rev. W. E., 17, 126, 128. 
Weary, Rev. Edwin, 200. 
Wells, Bezaleel, 47, 59, 66, 69. 



Wells, Mary, 6. 

Wells, Richard, 6. 

Wells, Miss Rebecca (Mrs. Chase 

and Mrs. Morse), 57, 78, 81, 85, 

91, 102, 122. 
Wells Memorial, 219. 
Wesley, John, 7. 
West Liberty, 14. 
White, Bishop, 14, 41. 
White, Rev. J. H.. 207. 
Whitehead, Bishop, 169. 
Williams, Rt. Rev. C. D., 171, 175, 

179, 192, 196, 250. 
Williams, Rev. W. J., 184. 
Wirgman, Rev., 169. 
Wood, Edward, 73. 
Wood, John W., 217. 
Worthington, 27, 39. 
Wright, John C, 67. 
Wyandots, 3. 

Young, Miss Ella, 162. 
Young, Rev. L. H, 185. 



From the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same 
my Name shall be great among the Gentiles ; and in every place incense 
shall be offered unto my Name, and a pure offering: for my Name shall 
be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts. 




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